Operation Desert Shield

Operation Desert Shield was a military buildup in Saudi Arabia following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The operation aimed to deter further Iraqi aggression into Saudi Arabia, which held significant oil reserves and holy Islamic sites.1

The deployment included forces from the United States, the United Kingdom, Egypt, France, and approximately 25 other nations. This buildup was a response to Saddam Hussein's conquest of Kuwait and his potential to threaten Saudi Arabia. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, authorizing the use of force if Iraq did not withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991. Operation Desert Shield was the largest overseas deployment for the U.S. since World War II. It set the stage for Operation Desert Sabre, the ground offensive that began on February 24, 1991, leading to the liberation of Kuwait.12