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Persian Gulf War
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Thematic map depicting the Persian Gulf War, showing Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and surrounding countries with key military targets such as weapons plants, nuclear facilities, oil fields, and major air bases. Symbols indicate naval forces in the Persian Gulf, and an inset details coalition and Iraqi troop movements and front lines during the ground attack into Kuwait and southern Iraq. Saddam Hussein in 1983, wearing a green military uniform and resting his face on his right hand. Map showing the location of Kuwait in the Middle East, bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia and situated along the northwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. Neighboring countries and major bodies of water, including the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Caspian Sea, and Black Sea, are also labeled for regional context. Sheikh Jābir al-Aḥmad al-Jābir al-Ṣabāḥ Map of Kuwait showing its borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, major cities such as Kuwait City, Al-Jahra, and Al-Wafrah, physical features like Kuwait Bay and Ash-Shaqaya Peak, and nearby islands including Bubiyan and Failakah. The Persian Gulf is to the east, and a small inset locator map highlights Kuwait's position in the Middle East. Persian Gulf War
Witness U.S. Pres. George H.W. Bush addressing Congress after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait
George H.W. Bush and Sheikh Jābir al-Aḥmad al-Jābir al-Ṣabāḥ Persian Gulf War Persian Gulf War
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Persian Gulf War summary
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Persian Gulf War: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Modified link of Web site: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Persian Gulf War, 1990-91. Jul 31, 2026
Anniversary information added. Feb 21, 2026
Add new Web site: Air and Space Forces Magazine - The Gulf War: A Chronology. Oct 21, 2025
Add new Web site: Khan Academy - The Gulf War. Apr 21, 2025
Questions and answers added. Mar 13, 2025
Add new Web site: National Army Museum - Gulf War. May 27, 2024
Link added. Apr 08, 2024
Add new Web site: HistoryNet - Persian Gulf War: U.S. Marines’ Minefield Assault. Jul 04, 2023
Add new Web site: Miller Center - The Gulf War. Mar 27, 2023
Add new Web site: The Canadian Encyclopedia - Persian Gulf War, 1990-91. Jan 05, 2023
Media added. Apr 08, 2022
Standing entry replaced by new article. Nov 11, 2021
Corrected display issue. Sep 10, 2020
Updated the estimate of Iraqi casualties. Mar 07, 2019
Add new Web site: United States History for Kids - Gulf War. Jan 18, 2019
Corrected display issue. Jul 19, 2017
Media added. Jul 05, 2016
Photographs added. Dec 14, 2015
Add new Web site: Australian War Memorial - The First Gulf War, 1990�91. Nov 28, 2014
Add new Web site: Australian War Memorial - The First Gulf War, 1990�91. Apr 24, 2014
Add new Web site: U.S. Department of State - Office of the Historian - The Gulf War. Apr 24, 2014
Add new Web site: Social Studies for Kids - Persian Gulf War. Jan 25, 2013
Add new Web site: Military History Encyclopedia on the Web - The Gulf War 1990/1991. Jan 25, 2013
Add new Web site: U.S. Department of State - Office of the Historian - The Gulf War. Jan 25, 2013
Add new Web site: Buzzle.com - Persian Gulf War. Jan 25, 2013
Add new Web site: Military.com - Gulf War. Jan 25, 2013
In third paragraph, changed "Persian Gulf War" to "allied coalition's military offensive against Iraq." Feb 24, 2012
Add new Web site: The Patriot Files - Dedicated to the Preservation of the U.S. Military History. Jul 26, 2010
Add new Web site: The Patriot Files - Dedicated to the Preservation of the U.S. Military History. Jul 26, 2010
Added new Web site: How Stuff Works - History - Persian Gulf War. Nov 25, 2008
Article revised and updated. Apr 15, 2008
Added new Web site: Jewish Virtual Library - The Arab/Muslim World: The Gulf War. Apr 03, 2008
Added new Web site: Public Broadcating Service - Persian Gulf War. Jan 23, 2008
Article revised and updated. Mar 01, 2007
Added new Web site: PBS Online - The Gulf War. Sep 26, 2006
Article revised. Mar 18, 2004
Article revised. Mar 28, 2003
Article revised. Mar 13, 2003
Article added to new online database. May 04, 1999
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