Operation Desert Storm

In August 1990 Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait to gain control of its oil preserves. George Bush responded by having a massive military build up in Saudi Arabia. More than 500,000 American troops were in Saudi Arabia by 1991; which showed that the U.S. had a powerful capability. U.S officials tried to talk to the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The United Nations also tried to get Iraq to leave Kuwait. Both of these efforts failed. On August 20 President Bush signed the national security directive 45. The U.N. ultimatum security council resolution 678 stated that Hussein did not remove his troops from Kuwait.On November 29, 1990 a coalition was led by the United States to drive them out. On the morning of Jan. 17 the coalition launched air attacks against the Iraqis. On Feb. 24 the ground forces planned their attack. Kuwait was liberated on Feb 27. The allied forces had driven well into Iraq, but President Bush halted the war. At 8:00 am a cease fire took effect. The U.S casualties were 147 battle deaths, 145 non battle deaths, and 1 MIA. There was 15 women killed, and 467 wounded in action. The U.S released 71,204 prisoners to Saudi.http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/timeline/fast_facts.htm
http://www.britannica.com/bps/additionalcontent/8/398251/Document-George-Bush-Operation-Desert-Storm

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Operation Desert Storm

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