Gulf War 1991 - Operation Desert Storm in real time

DAY 27 of operation Desert Storm, Monday, February 11th 1991

Events of the Day

Baghdad Radio says "Iraq has not asked for a cease fire and will never accept a cease fire except after achieving total victory."

Rafsanjani reaffirms Iran's neutrality and says both antagonists are fighting for an unjust cause.

State Dept says there have been about 100 international terrorist incidents since the start of the war.

Political events

President Bush said he had no immediate plans to authorize a ground offensive in the Persian Gulf War. Soviet envoy Yevgeny Primakov arrived in Baghdad to discuss a possible cease-fire with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Primakov"s mission came after sharp criticism from Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev that the massive allied bombardment of Iraq threatened to exceed the UN's mandate to eject forces from Kuwait'

Al Firdos bunker in Baghdad suburb added to master attack plan. Moshe Arens in Washington complains about ineffectiveness of Patriot missile against Scuds. Yevgeni Primakov arrives in Baghdad to urge Iraqi withdrawal.

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens, in a hastily arranged one day visit to Washington. D.C., told President Bush that Israel was suffering heavy "destruction" from Iraqi missile attacks and that its willingness to retain from retaliating was wearing thin. Sources said Arens made a new request for greater U.S.-Israeli coordinated including sharing-of identification friend or foe recognition codes to avoid conflict between the two countries' warplanes. Without such codes, Israeli planes could be shot down, unrecognized by United States jets or gunners.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 62,000 sorties have been flown (2,900 today) continuing to focus on the Republican Guards (200+ sorties), battlefield preparation, strategic targets and interdicting troop resupply.

Photo: A Qatar Emiri Air Force Mirage F1 taxis to the runway at Doha during Operation Desert Storm



Naval operations, including mine countermeasures and maritime interceptions, continue. One mine is located and destroyed. A B-52 strike along the border caused significant secondary explosions.

No major ground activity, only scattered border skirmishes. U.S. forces continue training exercises, redeployments. Iraq fires SCUD missile at Saudi Arabia. Intercepted by U.S. Patriot missile.

Two SCUDs are fired at Israel. One fell harmlessly in an unpopulated area after being intercepted by U.S. Patriot missile. The second fell into a residential area, injuring 30 people and destroying several homes.

Enemy prisoners of war count rises to 1,000+ with surrender of 75 Iraqi troops.

A 300-member contingent of Afghan Mujahedeen fighters becomes the 34th coalition partner supporting OPERATION DESERT STORM.

DAY 29 of operation Desert Storm,  Wednesday, February 13th 1991

Events of the day

Iraqis claim 400 civilian deaths in U.S. bombing of a civilian air raid shelter. Bush administration moves quickly to assert that it was a military target.

Allies block open UNSC debate on war, hold closed session tomorrow instead.

Soviet envoy Primakov, returned to Moscow, says he had "cause for hope" for a negotiated settlement.

Cheney says Saddam is "deliberately placing civilians in harm's way."

50-100 Iraqi fighter aircraft are sheltered in civilian areas.

Germany's Genscher says in Damascus that Syria would recognize Israel if Israel grants self-determination to Palestinians.

2 opposition members say Israel is planning to increase Jewish population of occupied territories by more than 50%, building 12,000 new homes there during next 3 years.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 67,000 sorties have been flown (2,800 today) focusing on battlefield preparation (700+ sorties), the Republican Guards (200 sorties), counter- SCUD strikes (170 sorties), and restrikes on selected strategic targets (missile propellant plants, storage facitlities, air fields, and command and control facilities).

Navy and Marine Corps aircraft have flown over 15,000 combat sorties during OPERATION DESERT STORM.

USS AMERICA (CV-66) Carrier Battle Group transits Strait of Hormuz enroute Arabian Gulf redeployment.

United States aircraft fire 2 laser-guided bombs on a Baghdad target in the residential al-Amerieh district, labeled a camouflaged fortified command and control bunker ("a legitimate military target") by DOD. Iraq claims site was a bomb shelter inhabited by civilians, claims hundreds were killed during the 0400 (local time) strike.

Naval aircraft destroyed an Exocet missile-capable Frelon helicopter on the ground.

Photo: "A right rear view of an M-93 Fox Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) reconnaissance system deployed for Operation Desert Storm. The M-93 is a variant of the West German SPÜRPANZER FUCHS armored personnel carrier.



United States aircraft destroy 4 Iraqi transport aircraft on the ground.

Navy aircraft are assisting in the Arabian Gulf oil clean-up by providing information on the extent and movement of the spill.

Air campaign in Kuwait is complicated by smoke from over 50 oil field fires, mainly in Al-Wafra area. DOD suspects Iraq is placing charges on many wells to cloud battlefield and mask troop movements.

Marines again exchange sporadic border fire, continue patrols and counter reconnaissance deployments.

To-date, there have been 40 United States fatalities: 12 KIA, 28 Non-Combat Fatalities; 10 WIA; 26 MIA (7 Navy, 2 USMC); 2 Missing; 8 POW. United States troop strength is over 510,000, other coalition forces exceed 205,000. U.S. has lost 28 aircraft (18 fixed-wing in combat, 3 fixed-wing in non-combat mishaps, 7 helicopters lost in non-combat). Coalition has lost 10 aircraft. 40 Iraqi aircraft and 4 helos have been shot down in air-to air engagements with no United States losses. 136 Iraqi aircraft flown to Iran. Also to-date, more than 1,300 Iraqi tanks, 800 armored vehicles and 1,100 artillery pieces have been destroyed in verified bomb damage assessments (approximately one-third of the initial Iraqi inventory of 4,280 tanks, 1,870 APCs and 3,110 artillery pieces). Also, 25 Iraqi naval craft have been sunk or damaged, and 66 mines destroyed.

Photo: Some 16 McDonnell Douglas A-4KU Skyhawk aircraft of the Kuwaiti Air Force are serviced on a flight line in preparation for a mission during Operation Desert Storm

DAY 31 of operation Desert Storm, Friday, February 15th 1991

Events of the Day

Allied Arab foreign ministers meet in Cairo to discuss post-war economic and military security arrangements.

Poll shows majority of Americans blame Iraq for civilian deaths.

U.S. said to be raising ante for Iraqi withdrawal, seeking Iraq's abandoning its military equipment in Kuwait.

Political events

Baghdad Radio broadcasts Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council statement that Iraq is ready for negotiations "based on U.N. Security Council resolution 660 of 1990 to achieve a solution to the Gulf crisis, including its withdrawal from Kuwait. The willingness on the part of the RCC should be regarded as a guarantee from Iraq and coupled with an immediate and comprehensive cessation of all land, air and sea military operations." President Bush announces that after initial happiness at the Iraq offer, "regrettably, the Iraq statement now appears to be a cruel hoax. Not only was the Iraq statement full of unacceptable old conditions, but Saddam Hussein has added several new conditions." The President reiterated, "They must withdraw without condition, there must be full implementation of all the Security Council resolutions, and there will be no linkage to the other problems in the area, and the legitimate rulers of Kuwait must be returned to Kuwait." President Bush stated the coalition will not end its military campaign, "until a massive withdrawal begins, with those Iraqi troops visibly leaving Kuwait."

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 73,000 sorties have been flown (2,600 today). Objectives remain destruction of the Republican Guards (100 sorties), strategic targets in the KTO (800 sorties), restrikes, and counter-SCUD strikes (150 sorties). DOD also announces military operations will continue until notified by higher authority of a cease fire.

Photo: A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft refuels a U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircraft from Strike-Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) while other Hornets from the squadron fly in formation



Naval forces continue to support the air campaign with mine countermea sures and maritime interception operations. The Navy has lost an additional aircraft.

An A-6 sustained major damage while returning from a combat mission. The crew was recovered. An F-15 on a counter-SCUD mission shot down a hovering Iraqi helo with a laser-guided bomb. This is the 41st Iraqi aircraft downed in air-to- air engagements. USMC and coalition ground forces continue patrols and deployments.

Photo: A bow view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) underway with various aircraft parked on the flight deck



DOD assesses Iraqi troops in the KTO as "immobile", "hunkering down", and "confused" as a result of air campaign. Eight additional Iraqis surrendered to U.S. forces. DOD reports 60% of EPWs have surrendered willingly. Would-be defectors may be hindered by such obstacles as minefields, execution squads and retaliations against families in Iraq. SCUD missile fired at Saudi Arabia, breaks up in flight, impacts with no injuries.

Iraq fires its 65th SCUD to date sins January 17th when the first 2 where launched against targets against the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv.

Photo: An M113 armored personnel carrier, foreground, M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks and other equipment of the 3rd Armored Division move out on a mission.

DAY 33 of operation Desert Storm, Sunday, February 17th 1991

Events of the Day

U.S. says it would welcome Soviet-brokered settlement.

India closes bases for refuelling to U.S. military aircraft.

Israeli Ambassador Shoval apologizes for criticizing U.S. economic aid to Israel.

Political events

President Bush says Iraq's takeover of Kuwait will end "very, very soon."

Iraq's foreign minister, Tariq Aziz, arrives in Moscow for talks with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. He is quoted en route as saying it's up to allies to act on Iraq's peace proposal.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 78,000 sorties have been flown (2,600 today) with air campaign objectives continuing to focus on battlefield preparation in the KTO (800 sorties), destruction of the Republican Guards (100 sorties), and resupply interdiction.

Naval forces continue supporting the air campaign conducting air strikes, fighter cover, on-call combat search and rescue, mine countermeasures and maritime interception operations.

There have been seven significant engagements along the Kuwait and Iraq border involving USMC and coalition ground forces.

Two soldiers killed, six wounded from the 1st Infantry Division and a ground surveillance vehicle damaged when a Hellfire missile from an AH-64 Apache helicopter struck their Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. (Operation Desert Storm: Apache Helicopter Fratricide Incident February 17th 1991)

Photo: A column of U.S. Marine Amphibious Tracked Vehicles moves north across the desert in Saudi Arabia

 

DAY 35 of operation Desert Storm, Tuesday, February 19th 1991

Events of the day

Saudi officials say gulf oil slick is smaller than originally feared - 60 million gallons, not 400 million.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 83,000 sorties have been flown (2,800 today) continuing the execution of air campaign objectives. 870 sorties have been flown in the KTO, 100 sorties against the Republican Guard, and 130 sorties against SCUD sites.

A Navy A-6 attacked and destroyed five aircraft hidden in revetments in western Iraq. Other naval forces continued to support the air campaign and conduct maritime interceptions and mine countermeasures.

A minefield containing an estimated 22 mines was discovered and cordoned off in the northern Arabian Gulf. To-date, 153 mines discovered. USS BEAUFORT (ATS-2), and Naval Reserve minesweeper escort USS ADROIT (MSO 509) maneuvered through an uncharted mine field to reach USS PRINCETON.

USS TRIPOLI is operating fully mission-capable in the northern Arabian Gulf with damage control efforts stemming minor flooding. USS PRINCETON has a cracked superstructure, a jammed port rudder and leaking port shaft seal. With USS ADROIT at the point marking mines, ship is proceeding to port, towed by USS BEAUFORT, for detailed inspection. DOD says USS TRIPOLI hit a moored or floating mine, USS PRINCETON hit 2 influence mines.

Iraqi antiaircraft artillery shoots down a Air Force OA-10A Thunderbolt II airborne forward air control aircraft over Kuwait.

USMC and coalition ground forces engage Iraqis in border skirmishes, probes and reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance deployments. Marines exchange artillery fire with Iraqis, no casualties.

More than 578 Iraqis have surrendered and are in Turkey's custody. Combined with 1,493 in Saudi Arabian custody, enemy prisoners of war to-date total 2,071.

Iraqi SCUD missile is fired at Israel, impacts with no injuries. 68th SCUD launched to-date.

Photo: A starboard view of the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS Mississippi (CGN-40) underway during Operation Desert Storm, February 19, 1991.

DAY 37 of operation Desert Storm, Thursday, February 21st 1991 

Events of the day

Israel says $400M U.S. gave them for new housing is insufficient, plans $1 B fund drive.

Pentagon awards National Defense Service Medal to all members of armed forces.

Gulf War will cost $58 to $77B in FY91.

Iraqi exile opposition groups try to form common goals, concerted action. Outlook is not good for them.

Apache battalion commander relieved for friendly fire incident.

U.S. college groups hold demonstrations against war, but fail to achieve coordinated effort.

Kuwait government in exile is planning for reconstruction. U.S. Corps of Engineers has planning contract, and U.S. firms are getting 70% of the initial contracts.

Political events

Soviet spokesman Vitaly Ignatenko announces Iraq, Soviet Union have agreed on plan that could lead to Iraqi withdrawal.

Saddam Hussein declares Iraq remains ready to fight ground war.

Defense Secretary Dick Cheney says allies are preparing "one of the largest land assaults of modern times."

CIA and Pentagon officials meet at White House to air differences over battle-damage assessment. Bush sets deadline of noon, February 23th, for Iraqi withdrawal.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 88,000 sorties have been flown (2,400 today) with air campaign focus on battlefield preparation in the KTO (800+ sorties), destruction of the Republican Guards (100 sorties), interdiction of communication lines, and strikes and restrikes on strategic targets. Naval forces conduct air strikes and combat operations including mine countermeasures and maritime intercepts.

Map: Iraq Ground Forces Order of Battle - 1991



USS SPRUANCE (DD963) diverts a freighter in the North Red Sea.

Marine Attack Squadron-331 AV-8Bs conducted first of 243 sorties off the night deck of the USS NASSAU (LHA-4). This is the first time in history that USMC AV-8Bs have conducted combat missions from a Landing Helicopter Assault ship. 256 tons of ordnance on targets. Two Navy aircraft have been lost in non-combat mishaps. A SH-60 hero's engine failed taking off from USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40), made emergency water landing. 3 crewmen rescued, helo lost. CH-46 helo from USS SEA'l l'LE (AOE-3) crashed in the North Red Sea. 3 crewmen rescued, another is missing.

Firing 50 rounds from off Khafji, USS WISCONSIN destroys command complex. RPVs spotted targets and provided coastline reconnaissance.

Throughout the border region, a continued increase in engagements, reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance probes between United States forces, including Marines, and Iraqi troops involving artillery, attack helos, and tactical air strikes.

A USMC unit exchanged small arms and stagger missile fire with Iraqi troops.

4 SCUD missiles impacted harmlessly in King Khalid Military City, and coastal Saudi Arabia. 72 SCUDs fired to-date.

Photo: A U.S. Air Force B-52G Stratofortress bomber aircraft from the 1708th Bomb Wing takes off on a mission during Operation Desert Storm.