Iraqi invasion of Kuwait

Overview

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, codenamed Project 17, began on 2 August 1990 and marked the beginning of the Gulf War. After defeating the State of Kuwait on 4 August 1990, Iraq went on to militarily occupy the country for the next seven months. The invasion was condemned internationally, and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted numerous resolutions urging Iraq to withdraw from Kuwaiti territory. The Iraqi military, however, continued to occupy Kuwait and defied all orders by the UNSC. After initially establishing the "Republic of Kuwait" as a puppet state, Iraq annexed the entire country on 28 August 1990; northern Kuwait became the Saddamiyat al-Mitla' District and was merged into the existing Basra Governorate, while southern Kuwait was carved out as the all-new Kuwait Governorate. By November 1990, the adoption of UNSC Resolution 678 officially issued Iraq an ultimatum to withdraw unconditionally by 15 January 1991 or else be removed by "all necessary means" from Kuwaiti territory. In anticipation of a war with Iraq, the UNSC authorized the assembly of an American-led military coalition.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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)