Iraq Invades Kuwait: Gulf War Begins
Iraqi tanks crossed the Kuwaiti border at 2:00 a.m. on August 2, 1990, while commandos arrived by helicopter to seize government buildings in Kuwait City. The Kuwaiti military, outnumbered roughly ten to one, fought desperately at Dasman Palace and several key bridges but was overwhelmed within twelve hours. The Emir escaped to Saudi Arabia by motorcade. Saddam Hussein had amassed 100,000 troops on the border while simultaneously telling Arab mediators he had no intention of invading. The invasion gave Iraq control of 20% of the world's oil reserves and positioned Iraqi forces within striking distance of Saudi Arabia's eastern oil fields. Within days, the United States began deploying forces in what became Operation Desert Shield.
August 2, 1990
36 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on August 2
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