A Day That Shook The World: Operation Desert Storm

Monday 17 January 2011 01:00 GMT

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On 17 January 1991 coalition forces mounted the largest concerted land attack since the Second World War on Iraq, leading to the liberation of Kuwait and, ultimately, the end of the first Gulf War.

The attack was a direct response to Saddam Hussein’s scorched earth policy in the region. Iraqi forces set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells and placed land mines in the surrounding area, incalculably damaging the natural resources there.

Watch this British Pathe video with footage of the battle and the fires:

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A Day That Shook The World: Operation Desert Storm