Iraqi forces under Saddam Hussein invaded and quickly occupied Kuwait, claiming that it had historically been part of Iraq, accusing it of slant-drilling oil from the Rumaila field and of overproducing oil, and seeking relief from the debts Iraq had piled up during the war with Iran. Iraq announced the annexation of Kuwait as a province. The United Nations Security Council condemned the invasion, imposed sanctions and set a deadline for withdrawal. A coalition of more than thirty countries led by the United States built up forces in Saudi Arabia, and in January 1991 an air campaign began, followed by a ground offensive that liberated Kuwait within days. Retreating Iraqi troops set hundreds of oil wells on fire. The war was followed by sanctions and no-fly zones over Iraq.
Before and after
- from 1 January 1990 to 31 October 1995Premiere of Mr. Bean
- 1990Establishment of Manas National Park
- 1990Rise of riot grrrl
- 1990Founding of Shanghai Stock Exchange
- 1990Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
- 19901990 becomes the warmest year on record
- 20 January 1990Black January
- 11 February 1990Nelson Mandela is released from prison
- from March 1990 to March 1997South Armagh sniper campaign
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The era
This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.