Operation Desert Storm was a military campaign launched by a coalition of countries led by the United States in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The operation was aimed at liberating Kuwait and protecting the security and stability of the Persian Gulf region.

The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq's forces on August 2, 1990, triggered international condemnation and economic sanctions against Iraq. The United States, under President George H.W. Bush, formed a coalition of countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Saudi Arabia, to respond to Iraq's aggression. The coalition forces gathered in Saudi Arabia, and on January 16, 1991, the U.S.-led coalition launched a massive air campaign against Iraq, known as Operation Desert Storm.

The air campaign was aimed at crippling Iraq's air defenses, military infrastructure, and communication systems. The coalition forces carried out more than 110,000 sorties and dropped over 88,500 tons of bombs during the six-week campaign. The air campaign was followed by a ground offensive, which began on February 24, 1991.

The ground campaign was launched with a massive armored assault on the Iraqi forces in Kuwait. The coalition forces quickly overwhelmed the Iraqi forces, and Kuwait was liberated on February 27, 1991. The coalition forces continued to pursue the retreating Iraqi forces into Iraq, and on March 3, 1991, President Bush declared a ceasefire, officially ending the ground campaign.

The success of Operation Desert Storm was due in part to the use of advanced military technology, such as precision-guided munitions and stealth aircraft, as well as the coordination and cooperation of the coalition forces. The operation was a major victory for the United States and its allies and established the United States as the preeminent military power in the world.

The aftermath of the war was not without its challenges. Iraq's military and infrastructure were severely damaged, and the country was left in a state of political and economic instability. The war also had long-term consequences for the region, including the rise of extremist groups and continued conflict in Iraq and neighboring countries.

Book List

Most books in this curated list are available from online bookstores or your preferred bookseller.

Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles by Anthony Swofford

Hogs in the Sand: A Gulf War A-10 Pilot's Combat Journal by Buck Wyndham

Certain Victory: The U.S. Army in the Gulf War by Brigadeer General Robert H. Scales, Jr.

Crusade: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War by Rick Atkinson

Days of Fury: Ghost Troop and the Battle of 73 Easting by Mike Guardia

Warrior's Rage: The Great Tank Battle of 73 Easting by Douglas Macgregor