Ground War Begins (04:15)

FREE PREVIEW

Coalition forces reached the outskirts of Kuwait City after the first day of the ground war. The coalition forces were moving to surround the Iraqi forces in Kuwait. Some had been ordered to withdraw, but most were surrendering to coalition forces.

Iraqi Retreat (03:35)

The coalition forces left a road into Iraq open for retreating Iraqi forces. On February 26, American planes attacked the road that was also being used by civilians. American officials met to discuss if any more military action was needed.

Ground War Ends (04:19)

The ground war ended on February 28, 1991. Many military officials believed the war was ended too quickly since some of the Iraqi military and equipment made it back to Iraq. Many Kuwaitis, including the royal family, returned to Kuwait to find that retreating Iraqi force lit oil fields on fire.

Kuwait After Occupation (02:52)

The full effects of Iraq's occupation of Kuwait were seen after the liberation. Kuwait City was destroyed, torture chambers remained, and thousands were dead or missing. The country was in chaos and gangs targeted people they thought had supported the Iraqis.

Ordering a Ceasefire (08:43)

The coalition and Iraqi forces met to arrange a ceasefire for all military operations. The Soviet Union attacked as a third party moderator and handled the communications of Iraq's surrender. A ceasefire was signed but there was no formal surrender.

Uprising in Iraq (04:51)

Citizens in southern Iraq began fighting against Saddam Hussein's regime. The uprising was encouraged by the Kurds and the United States. Rebels were viciously attacked by the Iraqi Army.

Iraq Attacks Kurds (03:38)

Hussein began attacking Kurdish rebels and civilians in northern Iraq. Many blamed the United States for prematurely ending the war and encouraging a rebellion without offering support. The Iraqi people felt abandoned since they were living under the regime the coalition fought to remove from Kuwait.

Kurdish Refugees (03:52)

After being targeted in Iraq, massive numbers of Kurds fled into Turkey and Iran. Turkey refused to accept them and threatened sending them back to Iraq by force. The American military set up refugee camps in northern Iraq.

Aftermath of War (04:08)

Iraq's cities and infrastructure was destroyed and it was heavily dependent on foreign aid. Many Kuwaitis were angered that the government had fled to Saudi Arabia and left the people to suffer under the Iraqis. The Americans believed Hussein was not a threat because of the ceasefire agreement.

Iraq Under Surveillance (05:34)

In April 1991, the United Nations ordered for Iraq to destroy all its weapons of mass destruction. The UN established a facility in Baghdad to monitor the Iraqi arms industry. The UN believed Iraq had WMDs and was hiding the evidence.

Madrid Peace Conference (03:51)

Events that happened during the war led to Arab and Western leaders meeting in Madrid to discuss peace between Israel and Palestine. The goal was to establish comprehensive peace in the Middle East. A peace accord was signed in 1993.

Credits: Battle for the Gulf - Wounds in the Soul (00:31)

Credits: Battle for the Gulf - Wounds in the Soul