During the early 1990s, a shift in military strategy occurred, with a renewed focus on air superiority that was evident in conflicts like the Gulf War. This period witnessed a decline in the prominence and deployment of tanks, signalling the waning era of their dominance. Nonetheless, this transition didn’t mark the end of the armored vehicles’ importance.
In February 1991, during the Battle of Kuwait International Airport, tanks saw a resurgence, reclaiming a substantial role in military operations.
Iraq invades Kuwait
In August 1990, Iraq launched an invasion of the sovereign nation of Kuwait, driven by several factors. The primary catalyst was the immense debt Iraq had incurred during the Iran-Iraq War. Official estimates indicated that Iraq owed Kuwait approximately $14 billion US in funds used to finance its conflict with Iran. Furthermore, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had accused Kuwait of pilfering oil from the oil field situated along the Iraq-Kuwait border.
The invasion took place with remarkable speed, as the Iraqi forces seized control within a mere two days. Condemnation from the United Nations (UN) swiftly followed, leading to economic sanctions. US President George H.W. Bush orchestrated a coalition in support of Kuwait, which included the United Kingdom, Egypt and numerous nations. Saudi Arabia also assumed a substantial share of the war expenses.
Operation Desert Storm
The coalition’s mission first unfolded in the sky. Between January 17 and February 23, 1991, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia and Italy carried out bombing campaigns over Kuwait and Iraq, culminating in success. With the conclusion of this air campaign, focus shifted to ground operations in Kuwait.
Kuwait International Airport emerged as a strategic location during the war. Initially captured by the Iraqi forces, the US-led coalition was resolute in regaining control of the site. As the conflict transitioned to ground warfare, the airport became a key battleground.
The Battle of Kuwait International Airport featured many participants
The Battle of Kuwait International Airport occurred on February 27, 1991, and it’s famed for the sheer number of servicemen who participated. The US Marine Corps was represented by the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions, and the 4th Tank Battalion and the 4th Marine Division also took part.
The US Army was represented by the 2nd Armored Division’s Tiger Brigade, the 41st Infantry’s Straight and Stalwart Battalion Task Force and the 1-3 Field Artillery Battalion. The Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, also took part, clearing the airport of enemy snipers and resistance fighters.
The Iraqis also had a number of troops involved in the fight. They were represented by the 3rd Armored Divison, the 449th Field Artillery Brigade, the 1st and 5th Mechanized Division, and the 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 29th, 36th and 42nd Infantry Divisions. A number of Commando units were also involved.
The battle was fast and furious
Today, the “Reveille Engagement,” a crucial part of the Battle of Kuwait International Airport, stands as the US Marine Corps’ most extensive tank battle in history. Despite significant troop deployments on both sides, the engagement unfolded swiftly.
While the conflict ultimately concluded at Kuwait International Airport, its origins trace back to the journey toward the airstrip. The 1st Marine Division breached the Iraqi defensive line, devastating over 250 T-55 and T-62 tanks, along with 70 Soviet T-72s operated by the Iraqi 3rd Armored Division. Concurrently, the 2nd Marine Division dispersed Iraqi forces by engaging them from the opposite flank, securing additional tanks, armored personnel carriers (APCs) and trucks.
The outcome of the battle was a victory for the UN forces. The US incurred 19 casualties, with 11 tanks damaged or destroyed. In contrast, the Iraqi forces suffered hundreds of casualties, with thousands of soldiers taken prisoner, and hundreds of their tanks left in ruins.
The aftermath of the Battle of Kuwait International Airport
Similar to the swift conclusion of the Battle of Kuwait International Airport, the Gulf War concluded rapidly. Merely a day following the engagement, the coalition emerged victorious, driving the Iraqis out of Kuwait.
However, the war’s repercussions were enduring. During their retreat, the Iraqis ignited numerous oil wells, causing months-long infernos and resulting in the loss of six million barrels of oil daily. These fires exacerbated environmental pollution significantly. Preceding the conflict’s end, the UN Security Council enacted Resolution 661, imposing severe sanctions on Iraq. Throughout its 12-year enforcement, many ordinary Iraqis grappled with hyperinflation and malnutrition.
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Notably, tensions between Saddam Hussein and the US remained high. They were relieved in 2006, when the former was tried and executed.