Iraq Invades Kuwait: Gulf War Begins
Iraqi commandos infiltrated the border at dawn to pave the way for a two-pronged midnight assault that split Kuwait City from its southern defenses. Despite fierce resistance at the Battle of the Bridges and a desperate defense of Dasman Palace, Iraqi Republican Guard units overwhelmed the Emiri Guard within twelve hours. This decisive victory forced the Emir and key ministers into exile in Saudi Arabia while Saddam Hussein installed a puppet regime to cement control over the oil-rich nation.
August 2, 1990
36 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on August 2
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