Iraqi invasion of Kuwait

Significance

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, launched under the codename Project 17 on 2 August 1990, triggered the sequence of events that constituted the Gulf War. Iraq defeated Kuwaiti forces within two days and proceeded to occupy the country for seven months. The invasion drew immediate international condemnation, prompting the United Nations Security Council to adopt multiple resolutions demanding Iraqi withdrawal. When Iraq defied these resolutions, annexed Kuwait outright on 28 August 1990, and reorganized the territory into two administrative districts merged into Iraqi governorates, the UNSC escalated its response. Resolution 678, adopted in November 1990, set a 15 January 1991 withdrawal deadline and authorized the use of force, leading directly to the assembly of an American-led military coalition. The invasion thus transformed a bilateral territorial seizure into an international confrontation and set the conditions for Operation Desert Storm.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (10)