The battle that set the standard for modern warfare: Battle Board breaks down the 100 hours that began Saddam Hussein’s downfall… Operation Desert Storm

By FRANCINE WOLFISZ

Published: 20:31 BST, 11 April 2025 | Updated: 20:39 BST, 11 April 2025

This is the story of one of the most decisive victories in military history – as the world witnessed the United States and her allies crushing the army of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in just 100 hours.

In the latest episode of Daily Mail’s Battle Board YouTube videos, Chris Pleasance examines the moments that led to this historic military feat, known as Operation Desert Storm and how it came to set the standard for modern warfare.

The story begins on August 1, 1990, as the rest of the world appears in denial that Hussein is about to invade his smaller southern neighbour, Kuwait.

Such a military move seems too unlikely, they argue, but from Hussein’s perspective the overriding reason is clear – he’s broke.

Beginning in 1980 and ending in 1988 Hussein fought a long, bloody, expensive and ultimately pointless war with neighbouring Iran. 

Though Iraq won, it was in essence a pyric victory that cost Hussein 500,000 casualties and saw his debts spiral to an eyewatering $86billion.

Reliant on high public spending to stay in power, Hussein attempts to raise cash by pressuring Opec (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to hike oil prices.

But when Opec disagrees, he concludes the only way out of his debt is to seize oil from Kuwait.

In the latest episode of Daily Mail’s Battle Board YouTube videos, Chris Pleasance examines the moments that led to one of the most decisive victories in military history

A map shows how on August 1, 1990, the rest of the world is in denial that Saddam Hussein is about to invade his smaller southern neighbour, Kuwait, to raid her oil reserves

After building up troops in Saudi Arabia, the United States and her allies launched a blistering attack named Operation Desert Storm – and marched into Iraq just 100 hours later

On August 2, 1990 he does the unthinkable and marches his Iraqi army across the border, where they are met with little resistance. 

Within 48 hours, the emir has fled and the entire country is under Hussein’s control. 

However, Iraq is about to face a much larger problem. He may have achieved his goal and doubled his oil reserves – but in doing so, he managed to unite almost the entire world against him. 

The United States vows to build a coalition and lead the response against him, while Saudi Arabia, concerned that Hussein will come for them next, marshals her neighbours to denounce the dictator.

Even Russia, a long-standing ally of Baghdad, signs a UN resolution condemning the attack. 

On August 6, 1990, President George Bush Snr authorises US forces to deploy in Saudi Arabia on Operation Desert Shield, as part of a buildup of troops and defense in the country.

Months later, on 17 January, 1991, the allies start the second phase of their campaign – the aerial bombing of Iraq.

This all paved the way for 24 February 1991, when the coalition launched Operation Desert Storm, a major ground assault into Iraqi-occupied Kuwait.

Just 100 hours later, the coalition had advanced into Iraq and declared a ceasefire. 

The conflict finally ended with the American-led liberation of Kuwait on 28 February, 1991 – with Operation Desert Storm being hailed as not only a success for the Allies but a game changer in terms of military warfare.

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The battle that set the standard for modern warfare: Battle Board breaks down the 100 hours that began Saddam Hussein’s downfall… Operation Desert Storm

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