Iraq invades and annexes Kuwait, leading to international condemnation and the start of Operation Desert Shield.
Bush’s Speech
August 5, 1990
U.S. President George H.W. Bush declares that Iraq's aggression against Kuwait "will not stand," setting the stage for military intervention.
U.S. Military Buildup
August 1990
U.S. forces, along with coalition partners, begin arriving in Saudi Arabia to defend against a possible Iraqi assault and to prepare for a potential offensive to liberate Kuwait.
Planning for Offensive
October 1990
U.S. military planners start planning an offensive operation to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
UN Resolution 678
November 29, 1990
The UN Security Council passes Resolution 678, calling for the use of "all necessary means" to force Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991.
Congressional Authorization
January 12, 1991
The U.S. Congress passes a resolution authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.
Deadline Passes
January 15, 1991
The UN Security Council deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait passes without any action from Iraq.
Airstrikes Begin
January 17, 1991
The U.S. and its coalition allies launch a massive air and missile campaign against Iraqi military and strategic targets in Iraq and Kuwait, marking the beginning of Operation Desert Storm.
Scud Missile Retaliation
January 18, 1991
Iraq retaliates by firing Scud missiles at Israel and Saudi Arabia, attempting to draw Israel into the conflict and fracture the coalition.
Focus on Ground Forces
Early February 1991
U.S. and allied forces increasingly target Iraq's ground forces in preparation for a ground assault, with Special Operations soldiers infiltrating Kuwait and Iraq.
Ground Offensive Begins
February 24, 1991
U.S. and coalition forces launch a ground offensive, swiftly advancing into Iraq and Kuwait.
Scud Attack on Khobar
February 25, 1991
A Scud missile fired from Iraq destroys a U.S. military barracks in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, causing casualties.
Iraq Announces Withdrawal
February 26, 1991
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein announces that Iraq will withdraw from Kuwait, but does not renounce its claim to the territory. Coalition forces bomb a convoy of retreating Iraqi troops, resulting in significant casualties.
Liberation of Kuwait City
February 27, 1991
U.S. and allied forces enter Kuwait City, effectively liberating it from Iraqi control. President George H.W. Bush declares the suspension of offensive combat operations against Iraq.
Iraq Accepts Resolutions
February 28, 1991
Iraq announces its acceptance of all UN resolutions regarding the conflict.
Cease-fire Agreement
March 3, 1991
Iraq accepts the terms of a cease-fire agreement presented by General Schwarzkopf, marking the end of the Gulf War.