How to win a war in 100 hours

Summary

In 1991, a US-led coalition swiftly defeated Iraq's fourth-largest army during Operation Desert Storm, a conflict sparked by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The coalition leveraged advanced technology, securing air superiority and disabling Iraq's air defenses. Despite Iraq's use of oil fires and Scud missiles, the coalition maintained the upper hand. A ground invasion followed, with a successful flanking maneuver leading to the liberation of Kuwait and the near-total destruction of the Iraqi army. The war showcased the power of modern military technology and established the US as the world's dominant superpower.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Persian Gulf War in 1991 showcased a new kind of warfare with advanced technology, highlighting the US-led coalition's swift victory over Iraq.
• 🎮 The video was sponsored by World of Warships, a free-to-play online multiplayer naval warfare game featuring historical ships from various nations.
• 🛑 The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 was a catalyst for the conflict, driven by economic and territorial disputes, and was met with international condemnation.
• 🏖️ Operation Desert Shield was initiated to protect Saudi Arabia from the threat of a well-equipped Iraqi military, including chemical and biological weapons.
• 🔥 The coalition's strategy in Operation Desert Storm prioritized air superiority, utilizing stealth and precision strikes to cripple Iraqi air defenses and command structures.
• 🚀 The use of advanced aircraft like the F-117 Nighthawk and the employment of Tomahawk missiles from US ships were pivotal in the initial stages of the conflict.
• 🔥 Iraqi forces responded by setting oil wells on fire and launching Scud missile attacks, causing environmental damage and attempting to provoke a broader conflict.
• 🛩️ The RAF Tornado GR.1s played a crucial role in disabling Iraqi airfields, demonstrating the importance of air power in achieving a quick victory.
• 🏰 The coalition's ground offensive was marked by a successful flanking maneuver, which effectively encircled and decimated the elite Republican Guard.
• 🚨 Friendly fire incidents, such as the tragic loss of British soldiers mistaken for Iraqi forces, underscored the complexities and risks of high-tech warfare.
• 🏁 The swift liberation of Kuwait and the decisive defeat of Iraqi forces in just 100 hours underscored the overwhelming technological and tactical advantage of the coalition.

Q & A

What was the primary reason for the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait in 1990?

The conflict was primarily due to Iraq's economic issues, including being in huge debt to Kuwait after an 8-year war with Iran and accusations that Kuwait was keeping oil prices low and stealing oil from a field near their border.

How did the international community respond to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait?

The international community was shocked and quickly condemned the invasion. The UN Security Council passed resolutions demanding Iraq's withdrawal and imposing economic sanctions.

What was the role of General Norman Schwarzkopf in Operation Desert Shield?

General Norman Schwarzkopf led the multinational coalition forces in Operation Desert Shield, overseeing the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies into the theater of operations.

What was the coalition's strategy for gaining air superiority during the initial stages of Operation Desert Storm?

The coalition's strategy was to first disable Iraqi radars to create gaps for strike aircraft, then target air defense networks, military targets, and command and control installations with a massive aerial assault involving various aircraft and weapons.

How did the RAF Tornado GR.1s contribute to the coalition's air campaign?

RAF Tornado GR.1s contributed by using JP 233 submunition dispensers to disable enemy runways and drop anti-personnel mines, making it difficult for Iraqi forces to use or repair airfields.

What was the environmental impact of Iraq setting fire to oil wells during the conflict?

The burning of over 600 oil wells caused an environmental disaster, with fires that would take until November to extinguish and had long-lasting effects on the region.

Why did Saddam Hussein launch Scud missile attacks on Israel?

Saddam Hussein hoped that by attacking Israel, he could draw them into the conflict and potentially split the coalition forces.

What was the significance of the 'highway of death' in the Gulf War?

The 'highway of death' was a scene of retreating Iraqi troops and vehicles being attacked by coalition forces, resulting in significant destruction. It became an iconic image of the war and sparked debates about the proportionality of force used.

How did the coalition forces' technological advantage contribute to their victory in the Gulf War?

The coalition forces' technological advantage, including advanced weaponry and superior training, allowed them to quickly gain air superiority, disable key Iraqi infrastructure, and outmaneuver and outgun Iraqi forces on the ground.

What were the key objectives of the coalition ground invasion during Operation Desert Storm?

The key objectives were to liberate Kuwait City, destroy the Iraqi Republican Guard, and ensure the survival of as few Iraqi forces as possible.

What was the outcome of Operation Desert Storm in terms of casualties and the aftermath?

The operation resulted in significantly fewer coalition casualties (around 392 dead) compared to Iraqi battle deaths (estimated between 20,000 and 35,000). Over 3,000 civilians were also killed in coalition air strikes. The aftermath included the enforcement of no-fly zones over Iraq until 2003 and the enduring environmental impact of oil fires.