Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
Iraqi invasion that triggered the Gulf War.
The invasion was condemned internationally, and the United Nations Security Council adopted numerous resolutions urging Iraq to withdraw from Kuwaiti territory.
- location
- Kuwait and parts of Iraq
- codename
- Project 17
- result
- Kuwaiti independence restored
- key_actor
- Iraq under Saddam Hussein
Lore & Background
The invasion was preceded by tensions over Iraq's US$14 billion debt to Kuwait from the Iran–Iraq War, Kuwait's above-quota oil production, and Iraqi allegations of slant drilling across the border.
Reader's Guide
The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was a pivotal event that led directly to the Gulf War, a major international conflict. The invasion prompted the assembly of an American-led military coalition authorized by the UN Security Council. The invasion's motives remain disputed, with theories including Iraq's inability to repay its debt, Kuwait's oil production policies, and Iraqi irredentist claims dating back to the 1930s. The event reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics and demonstrated the international community's willingness to use force to reverse an annexation.
Did You Know?
- The invasion was codenamed Project 17.
- Iraq fired missiles at Israel during the bombardment campaign, hoping to provoke a retaliation that would split the coalition.
- Within two days of the invasion, most Kuwaiti military units had been overrun and most Kuwaiti officials had gone into exile in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the codename for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait?
The Iraqi military designated the operation Project 17. It was the planned offensive that ultimately triggered the wider Gulf War.
Why is the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait historically significant?
It marked the start of the Gulf War and provoked a rare, unified multilateral response through the United Nations. The episode reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics and became a defining case study in international security.
More in Military Conflicts And Wars 1-18
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