The Gulf War began when Saddam Hussein’s Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Immediately condemned by the international community, Iraq was sanctioned by the United Nations and given an ultimatum to withdraw by January 15, 1991. As the fall passed, a multi-national force assembled in Saudi Arabia to defend that nation and to prepare for the liberation of Kuwait.
On January 17, coalition aircraft began an intense aerial campaign against Iraqi targets. This was followed by a brief ground campaign commencing on February 24 which liberated Kuwait and advanced into Iraq before a ceasefire took effect on the 28th.
The war, often referred to as the Persian Gulf War or Gulf War, ended February 28, 1991.
Today, we celebrate the 31st anniversary of Operation Desert Storm and honor those who served.