At one minute to midnight (GMT) on the 16th January 1991 the allied air strikes which marked the start of the Gulf War began. By 27 February 1991 The Iraqi army had been routed, and the US declared a cease-fire the following day.
The first sign the world had of the impending conflict was when Iraqi troops began pouring into Kuwait at the start of a rapid invasion on 2 August 1990. The small Kuwaiti forces were quickly overwhelmed. The country's ruler, Sheik Jaber al-Ahmed al-Sabah, fled into exile across the desert to neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
As the Iraqi troops swept in, Kuwait Radio pleaded for assistance before going off air. Translation - "I love Kuwait. In the name of Allah the compassionate, oh Arabs, oh brothers, oh Muslims; your brother Arabs are calling you. Rush to their help. This is Kuwait."
The US president of the time, George Bush, was quick to condemn the Iraqi move, and gave an early hint that a military response was being considered by saying that all options remained open.
Moscow also issued a statement calling for a prompt and unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait and China called for an immediate end to the military action.
UN Security Council condemnation
Within hours of the invasion, the United Nations Security Council met in emergency session, and passed resolution No. 660, condemning the Iraqi action and demanding an immediate withdrawal.
UN Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar expressed the hope that Iraq and Kuwait would be able to peacefully resolve their differences.
"I think this resolution will produce the very important effect on the parties and I hope that the government of Iraq will implement the resolution, as it is its duty", he said.
Gulf War Report - Part 2, Iraq's Empty Promises
Gulf War Report - Part 3, Saddam still in Power
Gulf War Report - Part 4, Sanctions
Gulf War Report - Part 5, Control of the Skies
Gulf War Report - Part 6, Arms Inspections
Gulf War Report - Part 7, Depleted Uranium - Special Report by Barbara Plett & Links
