In just 100 hours, the course of a war and a region was forever changed.
The Turning Point in Desert Storm
On February 24, 1991, the ground phase of Operation Desert Storm launched with a ferocity that would bring the Gulf War to a swift and decisive end. After weeks of relentless aerial bombardment, coalition forces, led by the United States, executed a masterful ground assault designed to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
This marked the beginning of the final chapter in the Gulf War, a conflict that not only demonstrated America’s military might but also redefined modern warfare. The operation’s precision, speed, and overwhelming force left an indelible mark on military history.
The Strategy That Crushed Iraqi Resistance
At dawn, U.S. forces initiated a large-scale ground offensive, utilizing a multi-pronged attack to outflank and overwhelm Iraqi defenses. The 101st Airborne Division executed a bold deep-strike air assault, deploying over 150 miles into enemy territory, creating a forward base that would choke Iraqi supply lines.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Marines stormed across the Kuwaiti border, facing pockets of fierce resistance but pushing forward with relentless determination. The real masterstroke came from the "Left Hook" maneuver, where coalition armored divisions, including the famed U.S. VII Corps, swept westward into Iraq before turning east, encircling and cutting off Iraqi forces attempting to retreat.
In just four days, the coalition decimated Saddam Hussein’s elite Republican Guard, liberated Kuwait City, and forced a ceasefire, bringing the war to an end by February 28, 1991.
The Lasting Impact
Operation Desert Storm’s success was a testament to modern military planning, coalition warfare, and the effective use of technology, from stealth bombers to precision-guided munitions. The conflict showcased America’s ability to mobilize and lead a global force in defense of an ally, reinforcing U.S. influence on the world stage.
But perhaps most importantly, it highlighted the valor and professionalism of the American service members who executed the mission with speed and precision.
“In the deserts of Kuwait, American resolve turned into action, and in 100 hours, a war was won.”