The Persian Gulf Conflict began with Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein, claimed the invasion was a response to Kuwait’s infringement of Iraq’s oil production. The armed conflict was fought between Iraq and a coalition of 32 nations led by the United States, Great Britain, Egypt, France and Saudi Arabia. On August 7th U.S. troops were sent into Saudi Arabia to protect Saudi oil fields in Operation Desert Shield.

The United Nations Security Council called for Iraqi troops to withdraw from Kuwait and called for economic sanctions against Iraq. On November 29, 1990, the U.N. set January 15, 1991,
as a deadline for the withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait. On January 12, 1991, the
United States Congress gave President Bush powers to initiate military operations against Iraq.

Saddam Hussein rebuffed the U.N.’s order to withdraw from Kuwait. On January 18, 1991, Operation Desert Storm was launched, led by U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf.