Operation Desert Storm began in mid-January 1991 and ended in late February 1991.

Key dates

  • The air campaign of Operation Desert Storm started on the night of January 16–17, 1991, when U.S.-led coalition forces launched massive strikes on Iraqi targets.
  • The operation is generally dated from January 17, 1991, to February 28, 1991, lasting about 43 days.

Quick context

  • Operation Desert Storm was the combat phase of the Gulf War, launched after Iraq refused to withdraw from Kuwait following its August 2, 1990 invasion.
  • It followed the buildup period known as Operation Desert Shield, which covered the months of deploying forces to the region before the fighting began.

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