The liberation of Kuwait City occurred between February 24 and 28, 1991, during the Gulf War. After Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, to seize its oil reserves, a U.S.-led coalition responded with a large-scale air campaign followed by a ground offensive involving 650,000 troops from 42 nations. Within three days, coalition forces reclaimed Kuwait City, fully liberating the country by the end of February. The campaign concluded with a ceasefire after a swift 100-hour advance into Iraq. The Gulf War’s victory set a precedent for modern military operations and introduced live news coverage of war. Kuwait annually commemorates its liberation on Liberation Day.

Learn More:

• 25 Year Reflection (2016): Army.mil
• Army Reservists: Firsthand Accounts
• Historical Footage: Firsthand Accounts: C-SPAN
• Liberation of Kuwait: Wikipedia Entry
• Michael Corcoran: Firsthand Account

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