Bush announced that Saddam Hussein had until January 15, 1991 to withdraw from Kuwait. Otherwise, Bush intended to liberate Kuwait by force.Â
Hussein did not withdraw.
The war erupted on the 17th. It was called "Operation Desert Storm." The leaders of the effort were Generals Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell. It was broadcast live on cable TV. Not only did we attack Iraqi forces in Kuwait, but we also bombed the Iraq capital of Bagdad.
The war lasted only a few days. Kuwait was liberated by the end of February 1991.
Twelve years later, the U.S. captured Saddam Hussein hiding in a hole. He was tried in Iraq, found guilty, and hanged.
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