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Following the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on 01-Aug-1990, UN Land, Air and Sea forces were assembled to free Kuwait.

Initially, a naval blockade of Iraq and Kuwait was set up. Following the start of the land war an initial defensive operation called 'Desert Shield' was intended to stop Iraqi forces from further advances into Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States. Once forces built up sufficiently 'Desert Storm' was begun to free Kuwait and destroy Iraqi ability to repeat the invasion.

At sea, naval forces systematically destroyed Iraqi light forces and then at the start of 'Desert Storm' launched aircraft and cruise missiles to destroy Iraqi defences and infrastructure.

In addition, the Gulf had to be cleared of mines and Royal Navy ships played a major part in this. Surface ships played an important role in landing troops and threatening to land major US Marine forces in the rear of Iraqi front line positions.

By 03-March a ceasefire was called by UN forces after the near complete defeat of Iraqi land, air and naval forces. 

Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.