Gulf War 1991 - Operation Desert Storm in real time

[lordroel]

DAY 10 of operation Desert Storm, Friday, January 25th 1991

Events of the day

Japan says it will send military aircraft to assist allies in non-combat situations.

Iraq pours millions of gallons of oil into Gulf from Kuwait. Iraq blames United States for spill.

Bush says "I am not going to be held a captive in the White House by Saddam Hussein."

Israel says it will continue to postpone retaliation.

Kuwait pledges $13.5B more for United States, Germany pledges $1 billion.

United States mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic churches have become centers of opposition to war.

Unofficial Soviet agency reports Hussein executed air force and air defense commanders. Also reports that Iraq has lost 300 planes to date.

George Habash (PFLP) calls for attacks on United States military targets, but avoiding civilians.

Iraqi propaganda has 2 themes: God is on our side, and allies are war criminals.

Kurdish Democratic Front says there have been 10,000 Iraqi military casualties.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 17,500 sorties have been flown (a record 2,700 today) and 236 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles have been launched. Iraq has lost 43 aircraft, 19 in air-to-air engagements, 24 on the ground.

Photo: A Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft passes over the desert while returning to the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66) after a mission during Operation Desert Storm.



The U.S. has lost 10 aircraft to ground fire and the coalition has lost 7 aircraft, including 5 UK Tornados hit by anti-aircraft fire flying low-level missions to crater airfields. The total of 17 aircraft losses represents two-tenths of 1 percent of all combat missions flown to-date.

United States ships engage an Iraqi vessel laying mines near Sea Island Terminal, setting part of terminal and surrounding water afire. Iraq has dumped several million barrels of oil into the Arabian Gulf from the Sea Island crude oil tanker loading terminal, off the coast of Kuwait. 5 pre-positioned Iraqi tankers in the occupied Kuwaiti port of Mina al Ahmadi have been drained of oil, and oil is being pumped from storage tanks ashore through an underwater pipeline into the gulf. Described by DOD as "an act of environmental terrorism", the spill is approximately 20 miles long, 3 miles wide, and three feet deep, and threatens to foul the intakes of Saudi Arabia's desalinization plants as well as the gulf.

United States troop strength in the region has increased to 482,000. To-date, 192,965 National Guard and Reservists have been recalled to active duty. Fifteen percent of U.S. servicemembers in the DESERT STORM field of operation are Guard and Reserve.

Iraq fires 3 SCUD missiles at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. United States Patriot missiles successfully intercept, but warhead debris kills at least one person, 23 injured. In a second attack, 7 SCUDs impact in Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel, killing one person, injuring dozens.

Photo: Marines from Company D, 2nd Tank Battalion, drive their M-60A1 main battle tank over a sand berm on Hill 231 while rehearsing their role as part of Task Force Breach Alpha during Operation Desert Storm. The tank is fitted with reactive armor and an M-9 bulldozer kit.

[lordroel]

DAY 11 of operation Desert Storm, Saturday, January 26th 1991

Events of the day

United States says at least 24 Iraqi planes have flown to Iran.

SCUDS aimed at Saudi and Israel all shot down.

Large protest marches draw 75,000 in Washington and 150,000 in Bonn. Polls show 75-80% of Americans and Germans support U.S. policy in the war.

Soviet Foreign Minister Bessmertnykh cautions United States not to destroy Iraq by bombing.

Saudis pledge $13.5 Billon more in war aid.

iraqi "Mother of Battles Radio" begins broadcasting, appealing to Arabs to join Iraq.

More than 75,000 protesters march in Washington, D.C.

United States Marines in Oman participate in Sea Soldier IV, rehearsal for amphibious landing on Kuwaiti coast.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 20,000 sorties have been flown as the air campaign's focus shifts from strategic interdiction to battlefield preparation, with targeting on military storage facilities, military production facilities, Republican Guard troop fortifications and SCUD launchers.

Photo: British M109 self-propelled howitzers, 3 regiments of M109 took part in Operation Granby, providing fire support to RAC soldiers & the Infantry



Bomb damage assessments confirm significant destruction of Iraqi biological/chemical production capability. The Navy has lost an F/A-18 in non-combat operations. The aircrewman ejected over the Persian Gulf and was recovered safely. Total of Iraqi aircraft destroyed in air-to-air engagements climbs to 22 as USAF F-15s down 3 Iraqi MIG-23s.

USN aircraft attack an Iraqi patrol boat in Kuwait harbor. Boat last seen burning. A-6s have engaged and left a TNC-45 patrol boat burning. DOD announces that at least a dozen Iraqi MIG-29s/F-1s and a dozen transport aircraft have landed in an undisclosed location in Iran, a declared neutral country. DOD ascertaining whether Iraqi planes are seeking a safe haven from bombing attacks, whether this is a mass defection or a husbanding of resources for future combat operations.

An estimated 120 million gallons of oil continues to spew into the Persian Gulf from the Sea Island Terminal, and the oil slick -- partly afire from January 25 engagement between USN and Iraqi patrol boat -- is now 31 miles long and 8 miles wide. ASD (PA) Pete Williams denounces deliberate spill as "indiscriminate environmental war" causing catastrophic environmental damage to entire Persian Gulf region, and refutes Iraqi allegation that U.S. or coalition sabotaged facility and caused spill. U.S. is sending a team of U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA and EPA oil pollution and environmental experts to scene to assist Saudi Arabian efforts to contain the spill.

United States Marines stage biggest artillery attack of the war, firing a battery of 155mm howitzers at Iraqi troops six miles inside Kuwait.

Three United States Marines, members of the First Marine Division are killed and 7 injured when two LAY-25 Light Armored vehicles accidentally collided as the Marines were returning from a raid mission along the Saudi-Kuwaiti border. To-date, United States non-hostile deaths are 10, 14 are missing, and 3 have been wounded. Hostile deaths remain at 0.

Iraq fires a SCUD missile at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, intercepted by United States Patriot missile. In a second attack, three SCUDs are launched at Haifa and one SCUD at Tel Aviv, Israel. All were intercepted by United States Patriot missiles. This latest salvo brings to 45 total SCUD launches.

Photo: Two Paveway-armed Tornado GR.1 strike aircraft on their way to attack an enemy target.

[lordroel]

DAY 12 of operation Desert Storm, Sunday January 27th 1991

Events of the day

Amid fears of terrorism, Super Bowl XXV goes off without a hitch.

Security forces in Europe and Asia have stepped up anti-terrorism efforts.

Saudis say that the oil slick will not endanger desalinization plant production.

23 Iraqi aircraft flee to Iran, bringing total to 39. Iranians say they will confiscate them until the end of the war.

Schwarzkopf says United States pilots are taking extraordinary measures to avoid civilian casualties.

Saddam renews threat to usp nonconventional weapons against Israel.

Iraq opens border to Jordan but orders refugees to return to Baghdad for visas.

Cheney says "we've always assumed that we would eventually have to send in ground forces."

Egyptian Ghali says Egypt is not in favor of destruction of Iraq or change of government and could work with Saddam after the war.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 22,000 sorties have been flown, including attacks on 3 SCUD missile launch sites, Republican Guard troop emplacements, bridges, lines of communications and shelters. There have been no United States aircraft lost in the past 48 hours.

Photo: An underside view of a Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on a combat air patrol (CAP) during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is carrying four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles under its fuselage and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on each wing pylon.



USAF F-111s attacked pipelines feeding the Sea Island Terminal with GBU-15 laser-guided bombs to stem the flow of oil, now 35 miles long and 10 miles wide, into the Persian Gulf, and to ignite oil and burn off pollutants. The attack specifically targeted system of pipes that regulate oil flow from storage tanks to the terminal called manifolds. Oil flow has apparently drastically slowed, and fire should burn out in about 24 hours.

4 Iraqi MIG-23 aircraft have been destroyed in air-to-air engagements with 2 USAF F-15s near Baghdad. Iraqi aircraft losses in air-to air engagements to-date total 26.

USN A-6s attack and destroy an Iraqi ship, and coalition naval forces con tinue to hunt Iraqi patrol and mine-laying boats in the northern Arabian Gulf and near Bubiyan Island. To-date, 8 Iraqi vessels (1 oil platform service ship, 2 patrol boats, 1 tanker, and 4 unknown) are presumed destroyed, and 10 (4 mining vessels, 1 hovercraft, 3 patrol boats, and 2 unknown) have been sunk. 2 additional mines have been located and destroyed in the northern Arabian Gulf. 39 Iraqi aircraft, including 23 in the past 24 hours, have landed in Iran. Iran announces that to protect its neutrality, any warplanes landing within its borders would be confiscated and held until end of hostilities.

United States Patriot missiles intercept 6 Iraqi SCUD missiles aimed at Saudi Arabia and Israel. 51 SCUDs have been launched to-date.

Photo: USS Normandy (CG-60) fires a Tomahawk cruise missile

[lordroel]

DAY 13 of operation Desert Storm, Monday, January 28th 1991

TIME Magazine Cover: America Declares War , January 28th 1991 edition



Events of the day

Iraq says captured allied pilots have been injured in allied bombing raids.

Bush and Saddam both proclaim the righteousness of their causes. Saddam says that he will use nonconventional weapons if casualties become too high. Threatens nuclear, bio, chem.

Iraq says 324 civilians have been killed, over 400 wounded, and shrines and cultural centers hit.

Possible terrorist attacks reported in Lebanon, Greece, Turkey and the Philippines.

Iraqi radio says some United States pilots held as human shields have been wounded in air strikes.

Baghdad Radio says Mubarak will be assassinated by an Egyptian soon.

Oil spill cleanup experts arrive in Saudi.

Turkish buildup on Iraqi border reaches 120,000, worrying Iran and Syria.

Oil at $20.96 per barrel.

United States assurance the Turks that the United States will not encourage nationalism in the Kurds, as part of payment for using Incirlik to bomb Iraq.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

More than 24,000 sorties (about 5,000 attack strikes) have been flown as air campaign focuses on Iraqi command and control, counter-air ops, interdiction, airfields, SCUD sites, Republican Guard fortifications, and battlefield preparation.

Photo: A B-52G Stratofortress is serviced on the flightline prior to flying a bombing mission against Iraqi forces during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft was armed with M-117 750-pound bombs



A Marine AV-8B is downed. The crewman, Captain Michael Berryman, is missing, the 15th United States crewman. The status of 7 United States aircrewmen has been redesignated from Missing to Prisoner of War. The 7 include Lieutenant Jeffrey N. Zaun, USN, Lieutenant Colonel Clifford M. Acree, and Chief Warrant Officer Guy L. Hunter, USMC.

A total of 80 Iraqi aircraft have relocated to Iran. Aircraft ferrying is being characterized as "possible defections" as a consequence of air campaign that has achieved air superiority and neutralized Iraqi counterattack. Flight operations have been conducted from only 3 of Iraq's 66 airfields, numbering 30 sorties, 25 to Iran. "Iraq is unable to offer any organized air resistance." Iraqi aircraft have relocated from central and northern Iraq, out of range of United States and coalition aircraft to intercept, however 4 were engaged on January 27th and destroyed by United States F-15s.

United States Navy A-6s have attacked Iraqi ships at Bubiyan Channel, at the Umm Qasr Naval Base, and in Kuwait harbor.

USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-58) diverts the RED SEA ENERGY in the North Red Sea after an inspection team found 160 railroad cars which were inaccessible. The German-flagged freighter, enroute from Greece to Aqaba, Jordan, was diverted to another port. To-date, coalition diversions total 7,020 intercepts and 837 boardings. The U.S. has conducted 490 of these boardings.

USMC and coalition aircraft attack an Iraqi convoy inside Kuwait and destroyed 24 tanks, armored personnel carriers and trucks.

United States ground forces continue to receive sporadic artillery fire along the Kuwaiti border, and have engaged in counter-battery artillery missions.

It is estimated that oil totaled 460 million gallons, appears to have stopped flowing from the Sea Island Terminal.

Iraq launches one SCUD missile at Saudia Arabia. Intercepted by United States Patriot missile, south of Riyadh. A second SCUD fired at Tel Aviv, Israel, fell in a West Bank open field without causing injuries.

[lordroel]

DAY 14 of operation Desert Storm, Tuesday, January 29th 1991

Events of the day

United States, Soviet Union issue communique offering Iraq cease-fire if it makes "unequivocal commitment" to withdraw.

Allied pilots begin flying combat air patrols to thwart Iraqi flights to Iran.

Bush state of the Union message calls for United States to bear the "burden of leadership" in world affairs.

United States/Soviet Joint Statement says hostilities could end if Iraq makes "an unequivocal commitment" to pull out. Also, U.S. and U.S.SR will make "substantial contribution" to achieving "a comprehensive settlement" in Middle East after the war.

United States officials confirm that oil spill flow has been stopped.

Germany promises U.S. $5.5B and also military aid to Israel and Turkey.

French Defense Minister Chevenement forced from office for openly disagreeing with initiating military action.

Iranian harboring of Iraqi planes, now numbering over 90, is seen as a bid for a role in postwar security.

Iran assures the UNSG that the planes will be held until the end of the war.

One of allied pilots held as a human shield is said to be killed in air raid on Baghdad.

Israel shells Rashidiyyah Refugee Camp in Lebanon after rockets land in the "security zone" in South Lebanon.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 27,000 sorties have been flown and 256 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles launched as air campaign targeting priorities continue to be command and control, airfields, SCUD locations, lines of communication, Republican Guard areas, and battlefield preparation.

Naval forces are conducting strike operations, surface surveillance, and combat air patrols. A-6s have attacked and destroyed two Iraqi Silkworm missile launchers. Naval aircraft again attacked Iraqi ships and port facilities at Um Qasr Naval Base. F/A-18s destroyed control centers at an oil refinery at Basra. In the first major ground confrontation, Iraq mounts a four- pronged raid across Kuwaiti border.

Photo: A BGM-109 Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) is launched toward a target in Iraq from the port side Mark 143 Armored Box Launcher (ABL) on the stern of the nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser USS MISSISSIPPI (CGN40)



United States ground forces continue to receive sporadic artillery fire, engage in small skirmishes with Iraqi troops along the Kuwaiti border, and conducting artillery and counter-battery missions, firing hundreds of rounds and anti-tank missiles on Iraqi outposts in Kuwait.

United States Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed from USS OKINAWA (LPH-3), assault and capture Umm al Maradim Island, 12 miles off the coast of Kuwait. Marines plant the Kuwaiti flag, and destroyed anti-aircraft weapons and artillery stored on the 400 meter by-300 meter island. This is the second island reclaimed for the Kuwaiti government by the coalition. Navy helos search Maradim Island investigating reports of Iraqis offering to surrender, and were fired upon by approximately 20 Iraqi small craft with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons. Returned fire, sinking 4 boats, damaging 12. A-6s engaged fleeing boats.

80-90 Iraqi aircraft (35% civilian, 65% fighters/bombers) have now flown into Iran.

More than 700,000 coalition air, ground, and naval personnel are present in the theater of operation, and over 110 coalition combatant ships are participating. United States troops number over 490,000.

USCENTCOM officially begins first transfer of 36 Iraqi Enemy Prisoners of War to Saudi Arabian control.

Combat operations (Battle of Khafji)

YouTube (Battle of Khafji)



Approximately 2,000 Iraqi soldiers in several hundred armored fighting vehicles move south into Saudi Arabia consisted of three columns, mostly made up of T-62 tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs).The Gulf War's first ground engagement was near observation post 4 (OP-4), built on the Al-Zabr police building. Elements of the Iraqi 6th Armored Brigade, ordered to take the heights above Al-Zabr, engaged Coalition units at Al-Zabr.

At 20:00 hours, U.S. Marines at the observation post, who had noticed large groups of armored vehicles through their night vision devices, attempted to talk to battalion headquarters but received no response. Contact was not established until 20:30 hours, which prompted Task Force Shepard to respond to the threat. Coalition soldiers at observation post 4 were lightly armed, and could only respond with TOW anti-tank missiles before calling in air support. Air support arrived by 21:30 and took the form of several F-15E, F-16C, four A-10 Tank Killers and three AC-130 gunships, which intervened in a heavy firefight between Iraqi and Coalition ground forces at OP-4. The reconnaissance platoon stationed at OP-4 were the first to come under attack, their withdrawal from the engagement was facilitated by another company providing cover fire. The attempt by the soldiers stationed at OP-4 to fend off or delay the Iraqi advance cost them several casualties, and in the face of a heavy Iraqi response they were forced to retire south, by order of its commanding officer.

Photo: U.S. troops outside the city of Khafji



To cover the withdrawal, the company's platoon of LAV-25s and LAV-ATs (anti-tank variants) moved to engage the Iraqi force. After receiving permission, one of the anti-tank vehicles opened fire at what it believed was an Iraqi tank. Instead, the missile destroyed a friendly LAV-AT a few hundred meters in front of it. Despite this loss, the platoon continued forward and soon opened fire on the Iraqi tanks with the LAV-25s' autocannons. The fire could not penetrate the tanks' armor, but did damage their optics and prevented the tanks from fighting back effectively.

Soon thereafter, a number of A-10 ground-attack aircraft arrived but found it difficult to pinpoint enemy targets and began dropping flares to illuminate the zone. One of these flares landed on a friendly vehicle, and although the vehicle radioed in its position, it was hit by an AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile that killed the entire crew except for the driver. Following the incident, the company was withdrawn and the remaining vehicles reorganized into another nearby company. With observation post 4 cleared, the Iraqi 6th Armored Brigade withdrew over the border to Al-Wafrah under heavy fire from Coalition aircraft. Coalition forces had lost 11 troops to friendly fire and none to enemy action.

While the events at observation post 4 were unfolding, the Iraqi 5th Mechanized Division crossed the Saudi Arabian border near observation post 1. A Company of the 2nd Light Infantry Armored Battalion, which was screening the Iraqi unit, reported a column of 60–100 BMPs. The column was engaged by Coalition A-10s and Harrier jump jets. This was then followed by another column with an estimated 29 tanks. One of the column's T-62 tanks was engaged by an anti-tank missile and destroyed. Coalition air support, provided by A-10s and F-16s, engaged the Iraqi drive through observation post 1 and ultimately repulsed the attack back over the Kuwaiti border. Aircraft continued to engage the columns throughout the night, until the next morning. Another column of Iraqi tanks, approaching observation post 2, were engaged by aircraft and also repulsed that night.

Photo: LAV-AT destroyed by a friendly anti-tank missile during the fighting around observation post 4, near Al Wafra.



An additional Iraqi column crossed the Saudi Arabian border to the East, although still along the coast, towards the city of Khafji. These Iraqi tanks were screened by the 5th Mechanized Battalion of the 2nd Saudi Arabian National Guard Brigade. This battalion withdrew when it came under heavy fire, as it had been ordered to not engage the Iraqi column. Elements of the 8th and 10th Saudi Arabian National Guard Brigades also conducted similar screening operations. Due to the order to not engage, the road to Khafji was left open. At one point, Iraqi T-55s of another column rolled up to the Saudi Arabian border, signaling that they intended to surrender. As they were approached by Saudi Arabian troops, they reversed their turrets and opened fire. This prompted air support from a nearby AC-130, destroying 13 vehicles.

Nevertheless, the Iraqi advance towards Khafji continued on this sector, despite repeated attacks from an AC-130. Attempts by the Saudi Arabian commanders to call in additional air strikes on the advancing Iraqi column failed when the requested heavy air support never arrived. 

[lordroel]

DAY 15 of operation Desert Storm, Wednesday, January 30th 1991

Events of the day

Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, allied commander, says allies have air supremacy and are reducing Scud threat.

Richard Cheney dispatches Delta Force to Saudi Arabia to hunt for Scuds.

White House backs away from joint United States-Soviet statement issued yesterday, saying that United States policy had not changed.

PLO and Israel exchange rockets and artillery in South Lebanon, but Arafat denys he gave orders to fire.

Germany's Kohl says "we have to face up to our responsibility whether we like it or not."

Turkish security aide assassinated.

The Netherlands say they will send Hawk missiles to Turkey.

United States sells 17.3 million barrels of SPR oil on the market.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

As of the 15th day sins the beginning of Desert Storm more than 26 leadership targets have been struck with 60 percent severely damaged or destroyed. One third of Iraq's command, control and communications facilities are destroyed or inoperative. Power plants and telecommunications sites have been hit. One fourth of Iraq's electrical generating facilities are inoperative, 50 percent adversely affected. Twenty-nine air defense systems have been hit with more than 800 sorties.

A total of 29 Iraqi aircraft destroyed with no coalition losses.

38 of 44 targeted airfields have been bombed in over 1,300 sorties (some multiple strikes). At least nine airfields are inoperative. Over 70 hardened aircraft shelters have been destroyed. Forced Iraqi aircraft to hide in residential areas, moved to roads or flown to Iran. "Everytime an Iraqi airplane takes off the ground, it's running away."

33 of 36 targeted bridges have been bombed in over 790 sorties. Kuwaiti theater of operations has been isolated by strikes on rail road and highway bridges. Iraq's resupply efforts have been degraded from 20,000 to 2,000 tons daily. Highway traffic severely diminished.

31 targeted nuclear, chemical and biological facilities have been attacked with over 535 sorties (primarily TOMAHAWK cruise missiles and precision-guided missiles). All nuclear facilities have been destroyed, including the Baghdad Nuclear Research Center. Over half of biological and chemical facilities have been heavily damaged or destroyed.

Elite forces have been target of about 300 air sorties daily. 28 B-52s dropped 470 tons. On January 29th, 21 B-52s dropped 315 tons. 178 trucks confirmed destroyed, and 55 artillery and 52 tanks have been destroyed or damaged in past 36 hours. Also, A-6s, F-16s, and F-15E air strikes are resulting in multiple secondary explosions in ammo storage revettments. 125 revettments are confirmed destroyed in northern Kuwait, along with armored personnel carriers, missiles and self-propelled artillery tubes.

The United States Navy has flown over 3,500 sorties from six carriers and have launched over 260 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles. 46 Iraqi naval vessels have been sunk or disabled and 74 enemy prisoners of war have been captured in two engagements. Iraqi naval forces operations severely degraded. Also, maritime interception operations are continuing with over 7,000 intercepts to-date.

And finally, over 1500 sorties have been flown, destroying all 30 fixed sites and all major Iraqi missile production facilities. Patriot missiles have engaged 33 SCUDs, 33 destroyed.

United States Navy A-6s attack three Iraqi landing craft in the vicinity of Shatt al Arab Channel, leaving 2 ships dead in the water. The other ship fled. A-6 re-attacks a patrol boat in the northern Arabian Gulf. The boat was set ablaze and left burning. A-6s attack patrol boats at a pier at Umm Qasr Naval Base, sinking one, damaging the other. In the vicinity of Bubiyan Island, Navy aircraft engage 4 military vessels, sinking 3 patrol boats and damaging a landing craft. To- date, approximately 60 enemy vessels have either been sunk or damaged.

All 18 F/A-18s aboard USS SARATOGA deliver 100,000 pounds of MK-83 one thousand pound bombs on Iraqi positions in Kuwait, the largest amount of bomb tonnage carried in a single mission.

USS CURTS and USS LEFTWICH rescues 20 enemy prisoners of war from an Iraqi Polnochny amphibious landing craft sunk by USN A-6 and UK Lynx helos in the northern Arabian Gulf. LEFTWICH is also primary CSAR platform in Gulf, locating and recovering downed pilots. LEFTWICH participated in 16 CSAR cases.

Photo: A Kuwaiti McDonnell Douglas A-4KU Skyhawk on the runway in Saudi-Arabia



Combat operations (Battle of Khafji)

Distressed by the occupation of Khafji, Saudi Arabian commander General Khaled bin Sultan appealed to U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf for an immediate air campaign against Iraqi forces in and around the city. However this was turned down because the buildings would make it difficult for aircraft to spot targets without getting too close. It was instead decided that the city would be retaken by Arab ground forces. The task fell to the 2nd Saudi Arabian National Guard Brigade's 7th Battalion, composed of Saudi Arabian infantry with V-150 armored cars and two Qatari tank companies attached to the task force. These were supported by U.S. Army Special Forces and Marine Reconnaissance personnel.

The force was put under the command of Saudi Arabian Lieutenant Colonel Matar, who moved out by 17:00 hours. The force met up with elements of the U.S. 3rd Marine Regiment, south of Khafji, and were ordered to directly attack the city. A platoon of Iraqi T-55s attacked south of the city, leading to the destruction of three T-55s by Qatari AMX-30s, and the capture of a fourth Iraqi tank. Lacking any coordinated artillery support, artillery fire was provided by the 10th Marine Regiment.

An initial attack on the city was called off after the Iraqi occupants opened up with heavy fire, prompting the Saudi Arabians to reinforce the 7th Battalion with two more companies from adjacent Saudi Arabian units. The attempt to retake the city had been preceded by a 15-minute preparatory fire from U.S. Marine artillery. However Iraqi fire did manage to destroy one Saudi Arabian V-150.

Meanwhile, 2nd Saudi Arabian National Guard Brigade's 5th Battalion moved north of Khafji to block Iraqi reinforcements attempting to reach the city. This unit was further bolstered by the 8th Ministry of Defense and Aviation Brigade, and heavily aided by Coalition air support. Although fear of friendly fire forced the 8th Ministry of Defense and Aviation Brigade to pull back the following morning, Coalition aircraft successfully hindered Iraqi attempts to move more soldiers down to Khafji and caused large numbers of Iraqi troops to surrender to Saudi Arabian forces.

That night, two U.S. Army heavy equipment transporters entered the city of Khafji, apparently lost, and were fired upon by Iraqi troops. Although one truck managed to turn around and escape, the two drivers of the second truck were wounded and captured. This led to a rescue mission organized by 3rd Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment, which sent a force of 30 men to extract the two wounded drivers. Although encountering no major opposition, they did not find the two drivers who had, by this time, been taken prisoner. The Marines did find a burnt out Qatari AMX-30, with its dead crew. In the early morning hours, despite significant risk to their safety, an AC-130 providing overwatch stayed beyond sunrise. It was shot down by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile (SAM), killing the aircraft's crew of 14.

The interdiction on the part of Coalition aircraft and Saudi Arabian and Qatari ground forces was having an effect on the occupying Iraqi troops. Referring to Saddam Hussein's naming of the ground engagement as the "mother of all battles", Iraqi General Salah radioed in a request to withdraw, stating, "The mother was killing her children." Since the beginning of the battle, Coalition aircraft had flown at least 350 sorties against Iraqi units in the area and on the night of 30–31st January, Coalition air support also began to attack units of the Iraqi Third Corps assembled on the Saudi Arabian border.

[lordroel]

DAY 16 of operation Desert Storm, Thursday, January 31st 1991

Events of the day

Sheik Abdul-Aziz Bin Baz, Saudis' leading interpreter of Islamic law, calls Saddam Hussein "enemy of God."

French. Algerians, Yemenis and Iraqis meeting in Iran to discuss possible peace plan.

Israel sets out conditions for peace- simultaneous bilateral talks with Palestinians and Arabs, total defeat of Saddam, says it would resist U.S./U.S.S.R. joint efforts for international conference.

U.S. reportedly drawing up strategic vision for after war, including regional security, economic issues, arms control and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Rockets fired at Israel's northern border, apparently by PLO.

Iran sends UN a note assuring it will keep the Iraqi planes until the end of the war.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 32,000 sorties have been flown (2,600 today). Coalition air, ground and naval personnel now exceed 705,000. United States troop strength now exceeds one half million. Republican Guard positions have been hit with over 350 tactical fighter strikes and over 10 B-52 strikes. U.S. and coalition tactical aircraft continue to engage tactical armor and infantry positions north of the Ras al Khafji area and along the Kuwaiti Coastal Highway.

Photo: RAF Buccaneer S.2B under shelter at Muharraq.



One AC-130H, AF Serial No. 69-6567, call-sign Spirit 03, supporting Marines around Khafji, is shot down by Iraqi infrared surface-to-air missile, with 14 crew members killed.

To-date, 37 mines have been located and destroyed. USS LEFTWICH captures 15 EPWs from Khawar al Amaya oil platform. Iraqi SCUD missile is fired at Israel, falls harmlessly in the West Bank.

Photo: Three U.S. Air Force KC-10A Extender tanker aircraft taxi down a runway in preparation for supporting a daytime bombing mission on Iraqi positions during Operation Desert Storm.



Combat operations (Battle of Khafji)

The effort to retake the city began anew. The attack was launched at 08:30 hours, and was met by heavy but mostly inaccurate Iraqi fire, however three Saudi Arabian V-150 armored cars were knocked out by RPG-7s at close range. The 8th battalion of the Saudi Arabian brigade was ordered to deploy to the city by 10:00 hours, while 5th Battalion to the north engaged another column of Iraqi tanks attempting to reach the city. The latter engagement led to the destruction of around 13 Iraqi tanks and armored personnel carriers, and the capture of 6 more vehicles and 116 Iraqi soldiers, costing the Saudi Arabian battalion two dead and two wounded. The 8th Battalion engaged the city from the northeast, linking up with 7th Battalion. These units cleared the southern portion of the city, until 7th Battalion withdrew south to rest and rearm at 18:30 hours, while the 8th remained in Khafji. The two Qatari tank companies, with U.S. Marine artillery and air support, moved north of the city to block Iraqi reinforcements.

Photo: A Saudi Arabia National Guard forces Gage V-150 Commando LAV armed with the TOW AT missile



The 8th continued clearing buildings and by the time the 7th had withdrawn to the south, the Saudi Arabians had lost approximately 18 dead and 50 wounded, as well as seven V-150 vehicles. Coalition aircraft continued to provide heavy support throughout the day and night. A veteran of the Iran-Iraq War later mentioned that Coalition airpower "imposed more damage on his brigade in half an hour than it had sustained in eight years of fighting against the Iranians." During the battle, an Iraqi amphibious force was sent to land on the coast and moved into Khafji. As the boats made their way through the Persian Gulf towards Khafji, U.S. and British aircraft caught the Iraqi boats in the open and destroyed over 90% of the Iraqi amphibious force.

[lordroel]

DAY 17 of operation Desert Storm,  Friday, February 1st 1991

Events of the day

State Dept accuses Jordan of violating sanctions by purchasing Iraqi oil.

A FROG missile fired by Iraqi troops into the positions of the 82nd Airborne Division lands harmlessly in mud.

US Central Command stops giving out daily loss totals to stop giving away useful information to the Iraqis.

US State Department says 70 terrorist attacks have been carried out against Coalition countries since the war began, some by groups claiming solidarity with Iraq.

Political events

France announced that American B-52s based in Britain would be allowed to fly over its territory on bombing raids against Iraq and refuel at a French military base en route from Britain to the Persian Gulf war zone, the French action came at the United States' request and eliminated the need for British-based B-52s to make costly and time consuming detours around French airspace.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 34,000 sorties have been flown (2,500 today), with 19 tactical air strikes and 5 B-52 strikes totalling 600 sorties on Republican Guard fortifications along the Saudi Arabian-Kuwaiti border. 300 sorties targeted Iraqi armor and infantry positions along the border. Also, 278 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles launched to-date.

Photo: Warrior infantry combat vehicles of the Royal Scots assembled in front of the Challenger tanks of their battlegroup.



Another SCUD missile site is destroyed.The January 31st launch toward Israel was observed by 2 United States aircraft, and attacked site, destroying launcher, 2 trailers and 7 support vehicles.

Naval air strike operations resumed at the Uum Qasr Naval Base. At the Min al Bakir oil terminal, an A-6 attacked a patrol boat, leaving it burning.

Helos picked up an additional 15 enemy prisoners of war from the Cor al Amiya oil terminal who were apparently survivors from Iraqi naval vessels engaged over the past 48 hours.

Navy helos involved in EPW operation reported no oil coming from or in vicinity of oil terminal or Min al Bakir platform. Oil slick appears to be broken up, 4 miles long and 1 mile wide.

Iraqi troop and armor border movements are being observed, but not considered a "massive troop buildup" or major offensive. Iraqi tanks have fired on an observation post along the border. Five tanks fled under fire from U.S. artillery.

Photo: a US Navy F-14A Tomcat Fighter Squadron 211 (VF-211) NAS Oceana Virginia Beach VA in flight over burning Kuwaiti oil wells

[lordroel]

DAY 18 of operation Desert Storm,   Saturday, February 2nd 1991

Events of the day

DOD spokesman says DOD "does not want, will not ask Congress for, and does not feel we need the draft."

Political events

Iran is reported to have rejected appeals by Iraq for the rectum of warplanes that flew to Iran in quest of sanctuary from allied air strikes.

Cheney says blockade may have to be continued, even after pullout of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 37,000 sorties have been flown (2,600 today), focused on targeting Republican Guard positions, strategic targets and targets of opportunity.

Photo:  An Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair aircraft banks to the left while en-route to its target during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is carrying six Mark 20 Rockeye II anti-tank cluster bombs on its outboard wing pylons and an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on each of its fuselage pylons. VA-72 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), which is operating in the Red Sea



A USN A-6 with two crewmembers, LCDR Barry Cooke, LT Patrick Connor, from the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT's Attack Squadron 36 and a USAF A-10 with 1 crewman has been shot down by anti aircraft fire. The three crewmembers are listed as missing.

United States naval operations continue with an attack on the A1 Kalia naval facility. One Iraqi Exocet-capable patrol boat was directly hit with two laser guided bombs, while a second aircraft launched a string of 12 500 pound bombs across a second patrol boat which also went into a building on the pier generating several secondary explosions.

Helos from the USS NICHOLAS engaged four Iraqi patrol boats near the Myerdam Island, destroying one, damaging two. Also, A-6s scored a direct hit with two laser-guided bombs on a patrol boat in the Kuwait City harbor. 35 Iragi naval craft have been sunk or damaged to date.

Senior commanders now conclude that with the destruction of all Iraqi patrol craft capable of delivering missiles. Iraqi naval forces are considered to be combat ineffective.

USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-5) diverts 2 freighters in North Red Sea, USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) assists with one diversion. USS BIDDLE (CG-34) diverts one freighter in the North Red Sea. 2 SCUD missiles are fired at Tel Aviv, Israel. One landed in Jordan, the other in the West Bank. No injuries, minimal damage. One SCUD was intercepted over Riyadh, S.A. by a United States Patriot missile. Falling debris injured 29 people.

Schwarzkopf formally decides against amphibious landing in Kuwait.

Photo: The battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) lies at anchor in a Persian Gulf region port during Operation Desert Storm, February 2, 1991.

[lordroel]

DAY 19 of operation Desert Storm, Sunday, February 3rd 1991

Events of the day

Cheney says blockade may have to be continued, even after pullout of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

WP article says that if Iraqi casualty reports are right, bombing campaign is producing fewer casualties than any in history.

Lebanese Army said to be deploying to South Lebanon to halt militia activity against Israel there. Lebanese also report arrest of Abu Nidal's senior advisor, Walid Khalid.

U.S. is said to have dropped more tonnage of bombs on Iraq than the total dropped in WWII.

Some California schools are now denying school rosters to military recruiters.

Soviet oil production falls to lowest level in a decade.

Senior Israeli generals say threat to Israel has greatly diminished.

Political events

Iraq responded to the relentless allied bombing by renewing threats to hit American and Western targets worldwide. Baghdad Radio reported, "The interests of the United States everywhere in the word will also be the target. There is a difference between terrorism and struggle' This is a legitimate act."

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 41,000 sorties have been flown (2,500 today), 480 solely against Republican Guard fortifications, in addition to airfields and hardened aircraft shelters. The latter targeting has resulted in the destruction of 68 additional Iraqi aircraft. Also, 25-35 major bridges have been destroyed or damaged resulting in continuing resupply interdiction.

The Navy's battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) fired eight 1.25-ton shells from its 16-inch guns at prefabricated concrete command and control bunkers Iraq was moving into Kuwait, destroying the bunkers. The barrage, totalling 18,000 pounds of high explosives, marked the first combat firing of the MISSOURI's 16-inch guns since the Korean War, and was in support of Marines and coalition ground forces. This also marked the first use of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) for gun fire spotting in a hostile environment.

Using its mine-avoidance sonar, USS CURTS, then, USS NICHOLAS escorted the battleship through unlighted navigational hazards steadily north in the Arabian Gulf to gain maximum tactical advantage. Mine explodes near USS NICHOLAS, shrapnel causes light damage.

United States has lost 3 additional aircraft in non-combat operations, a USMC AH-1J Cobra, a USMC UH-1 Huey hero and a USAF B-52. The two crewmen of the AH-1J, Major Eugene McCarthy and Captain Jonathan Edwards, which crashed in Saudi Arabia while returning from an armed combat escort mission on 2 February, are listed as killed in action. The 4 crewmembers of the Huey, Captain David Herr, Captain James Thorp, Corporal Albert Haddad, and Corporal Kurt Benz, are listed as killed in action. Three crewmen of the B-52, which crashed in the Indian Ocean while returning from a combat mission, have been recovered by Naval Reservists of Helicopter Squadron 75, while three other crewmen are missing.

Photo: A U.S. Navy Grumman A-6E Intruder (BuNo 161675) from Attack Squadron VA-65 Tigers en route to a target in Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War. VA-65 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)

[lordroel]

DAY 20 of operation Desert Storm,   Monday, February 4th 1991

Events of the day

Iranian President Rafsanjani offers to mediate in war, but gets cool reception from White House.

U.S. reduces staff at embassy in Jordan.

EC urges joint efforts with U.S. after the war to resolve Middle East conflicts.

"Several days ago" Egypt warned Sudan not to allow Iraqi planes or forces in, or they would be attacked.

PLO says it will not launch any more rockets from southern Lebanon, paving way for arrival of Lebanese Armed Forces. 

Oil at $21.14 per barrel.

Political events

The Bush administration ruled out any diplomatic solution to the Persian Gulf War, and rejected an offer by Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsaniani to broker a deal between Baghdad and Washington' White House spokesperson Marlin Fitzwater stated, "Our purpose is to get Iraq out out Kuwait, and we have gone through twelve UN resolutions and are engaged in a military conflict to do that. That's where ow focus is and we don't expect to change that."

Secretary of Defense Cheney refused to characterize how much progress was made in hurting the fighting ability of the well-entrenched Iraqi Army' The Pentagon, he said, had "assumed that at some Point we would have to send in ground forces in order to liberate Kuwait."

According to the government-owned newspaper Al Ahmm, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met with his Defense Minister. Chief of Staff, and all senior commanders of the armed forces to examine Egypt's role in Saudi Arabia. Indications surfaced that the estimated 45,000 Egyptian troops stationed in Saudi Arabia would go into action against Iraqi forces should a ground offensive be mounted to recapture Kuwait. When the troops were originally dispatched, Cairo said little about the forces beyond the fact their task was to defend Saudi Arabia.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 44,000 sorties have been flown -- "that's approximately one bombing sortie for every minute of the DESERT STORM operation" -- (2,700 today), including 250 sorties and six B-52 strikes on Republican Guard troop positions. United States aircraft also hit targets of opportunity, including a USMC AV-8B attack with Rockeye anti-tank bombs that destroyed or damaged 25 Iraqi tanks, and a strike on a truck convoy detected moving at about 0400. There has been no hostile activity by Iraq's naval forces.

Photo: A U.S. Navy McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C-24-MC Hornet from strike fighter squadron VFA-81 Sunliners prepares for refueling from a U.S. Air Force tanker. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles and Mk 83 bombs

[lordroel]

DAY 21 of operation Desert Storm, Tuesday, February 5th 1991

Events of the day

Iraq suspends fuel sales to civilians, worsening heating and transportation problems.

Iraq bans fuel sales to civilians, including cooking gas, gas and fuel oil, as 80% of Iraq's oil refining capability is said to be destroyed.

Israeli air force strikes Palestinians in Lebanon, in retaliation for rocket strikes last week.

Soviet and Turkish envoys visit Tehran for talks on ending the war.

Soviet Union subtly distancing itself from Washington on war to preserve its influence in Middle East.

Political events

President Bush announced that he was skeptical that air power alone could win the Persian Gulf War. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Colin Powell planned to visit Saudi Arabia to take a last look at when the ground attack should begin.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 47,000 sorties have been flown (2,800 today) and 284 TOMAHAWK cruise missiles launched with targeting focused on Republican Guard emplacement (400 sorties, six B-52 strikes) and logistics interdiction.

Photo: Howitzers and vehicles from the U.S. 1st Armored Division cross a desert heavily marked by tire treads



USS MISSOURI destroys Iraqi artillery emplacement. Navy A-6s attacked Silkworm anti-ship missile sites at Uum Qasabah. Hits on two launchers and several control and support vehicles were con firmed.

USMC AV-8Bs bombed and strafed a 25-truck convoy, causing multiple secondary explosions. Strikes have also hit resupply convoys backed up attempting to cross bombed-out bridges between Baghdad and Basra.

A Navy F/A-18 is downed. The pilot, LT Robert Dwyer of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT's Carrier Airwing 8, is missing.

There has been no hostile activity by Iraq's air or naval forces. Iraqi ground troops continue limited probing/reconnaissance actions with some small arms fire and sporadic artillery fire. Enemy prisoners of war to-date total about 817.

Syrian troops, in first combat action, repulse Iraqi probe at Saudi-Kuwait border.

Photo: A Buccaneer of 208 Squadron taking off from Muharraq, Bahrain, carrying a Paveway LGB and Pavespike targeting pod on the port wing weapons pylons

[lordroel]

DAY 22 of operation Desert Storm, Wednesday, February 6th 1991

Events of the day

Baker outlines vision for postwar Gulf, with 5 "pillars": new security arrangement, arms control agreement, economic reconstruction, Arab & Palestinian - Israeli peace, and reduction in U.S. dependence on oil.

Jordan's King Hussein makes speech moving closer to Iraq, saying war is against all Moslems and western aim is to reorganize the area.

Israel strikes targets in southern Lebanon, as Lebanese Army deploys there for the first time in 16 years

U.S. accused of giving intelligence to Syria that resulted in 2 infiltrated Israeli agents being killed.

Political events

Baghdad severed diplomatic ties with the United States and other countries in the multinational force.

Secretary of Defense Cheney and Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff General Powell, in a closed door report to Congress, left a strong impression that an allied ground offensive was not imminent- The nation's top two military advisers offered no timetable for a ground attack and assured lawmakers that the Bush administration was not eager to change the course of the war from the air to land.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 49,000 sorties have been flown (2,500 today), with A-6s, F-15s. F-16s and B-52s targeting Republican Guard fortifications every three hours around the clock. 650 sorties have also hit convoys and assembly areas to isolate Iraqi troops and shape the Kuwait Theater of Operations for any future engagements. Bridges, roads and railroads are being targeted and re targeted to interdict troop resupply. 42 bridges have been destroyed or extensively damaged, 70% of Iraqi supply lines have been cut.

USS MISSOURI has destroyed 4 artillery emplacements and a command bunker with another 16-inch gun barrage in support of Marines. In a second salvo, the MISSOURI fired 28 16-inch rounds against a radar control site complex, completely destroying it. 5-inch batteries also engaged. MISSOURI has fired a total of 112 16-inch shells and 12 five-inch rounds in 8 fire support missions over 48 hours. Within two hours of relieving its sister battleship, USS WISCONSIN (BB 64) conducted its first naval gunffre support mission since the Korean War, firing an 11-round salvo with its 16-inch guns and destroying an Iraqi artillery battery in southern Kuwait. Secondary explo sions reported. USS NICHOLAS escorted the battleship. USMC OV-10 called in the fire mission.

Photo: " 16-inch (410 mm) guns fired aboard USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as night shelling of Iraqi targets takes place along the northern Kuwaiti coast during Operation Desert Storm."



Two patrolling F-15s intercepted 4 Iraqi fighters transiting to Iran 100 feet above-ground, and shot down 2 SU-25s and 2 MIG-21s. Three other Iraqi fighters crossed into Iranian airspace before furhter engagement. 134 Iraqi prances (109 fighters, 25 transports) have flown to Iran.

Navy and Marine Corps aircraft have flown over 11,000 combat during OPERATION DESERT STORM.

USS GERMANTOWN (LSD-42) and 30 other amphibious ships arrive in the Arabian Gulf with 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade embarked, also on board the USS GERMANTOWN are 4 air cushion landing craft (LCAC) for combat operations ashore, a first in Navy history. Naval maritime intercept operations continue with over 7,100 merchants challenged, over 860 ships boarded, and 40 diverted.

Marines and other troops continue ground maneuvers, and there have been numerous Iraqi reconnaissance probes. Contact has been minimal.

To-date, there have been 35 United States fatalities: 12 KIA, 23 Non-Combat Fatalities; 11 WIA; 24 MIA (6 Navy, 1 USMC); 2 Missing; 8 POW (2 Navy, 2 USMC). U.S. troop strength is approximately 503,000, other coalition forces exceed 205,000.

32 nations have forces in place supporting OPERATION DESERT STORM (Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Spain, Syria, United Arab Emirates, United King dom, United States).

The United States has lost 23 aircraft (15 fixed-wing in combat, 3 fixed-wing in non combat mishaps, 5 helicopters lost in non-combat). Coalition has lost 9 aircraft. 33 Iraqi aircraft and 3 helos have been shot down in air-to air engagements with no United States losses.

Photo: A Victor of 55 Squadron refuelling a Tornado GR.1 and Buccaneer S.2 on their way to a target

[lordroel]

DAY 23 of operation Desert Storm, Thursday, February 7th 1991

Events of the day

Mitterand says land war will be launched before the end of the month.

Baker suggests setting up of Middle East Reconstruction Bank, funded by rich states of ME. Also says reconstruction of Iraq will be difficult if Hussein is in power. Finally, endorses Mid East nuclear weapons free zone

Staie Dept says aid to Jordan is under review in response to King Hussein's speech Wednesday.

Israeli commandos raid PLO base in Lebanon.

21 House members circulate letter asking Bush not to escalate the war at this time.

Political events

President Bush's top two war advisers - Defense Secretary Dick Cheney and Joint Chiefs Chairman Colin Powell - leave for gulf to assess war.

CIA, in daily intelligence brief, notes large discrepancy between Washington and Riyadh regarding destruction of Iraqi armor in air attacks.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 52,000 sorties have been flown (2,600 today). Objective continues to be interdiction of Iraqi resupply, with over 600 sorties targeting bridges, highways, and railroad lines. Other air-to ground targets are hit including Republican Guard and other Iraqi forces, command and control facilities and communication lines.

Two USN F-14s of USS RANGER's Fighter Squadron One downed a MI- 8 helo with an AIM-9M Sidewinder missile, a combat first.

Photo: UH-60A Blackhawk being refueled, 101st Airborne Division Rapid Refuel Point (RRP) capable of servicing twenty helicopters simultaneously; fuel handling personnel from 102d Quartermaster Detachment, Logistical Base CHARLIE, Northern Province, Saudi Arabia



USN A-6s attacked and heavily damaged 2 Iraqi patrol boats in the northern gulf near the A1 Faw peninsula. Using Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) for spotting,

USS WISCONSIN pounded Iraqi artillery, electronic warfare and naval sites with its 16 inch guns. 50 rounds sunk or severely damaged 15 boats, destroyed piers at Khawr al-Mufattah Marina. 19 rounds also fired at artillery and missile sites.

USS BIDDLE (CG-34) diverts freighter in North Red Sea.

Two F-15s intercepted 3 Iraqi SU-22s transiting to Iran, all were shot down. An A-10 downed a BO-15 helo. Iraq fires a SCUD missile at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Intercepted and destroyed by U.S. Patriot missile. No injuries or damage.

Sectary of Defense Dick Cheney and CJCS General Colin Powell depart to Saudi Arabia for military assessment of OPERATION DESERT STORM.

Photo: A USAF A-10A Thunderbolt-II ground attack plane over circles of irrigated crops during Desert Storm

[lordroel]

DAY 24 of operation Desert Storm, Friday, February 8th 1991

Events of the day

3 Arab guerrillas infiltrating from Jordan attack an Israeli bus and are killed.

Allies say naval dominance is so complete, it may be now possible to operate in the Shatt al-Arab.

Political events

Defense Secretary Dick Cheney, en route to Saudi Arabia, gives strongest indication to date ground war is coming. Open question: when.

President Bush stepped up pressure on Jordan's King Hussein not to join forces with Iraq's Saddam Hussein. King Hussein had previously made a speech that indicated Jordan's allegiance was with Iraq. Administration officials sensed that Jordan was preparing for the postwar Middle East when Arab radicals might take revenge against Arab leaders who aligned themselves with the United States.

Combat operations (Air, Land and Sea)

Over 55,000 sorties have been flown (2,500+ today) continuing to interdict and isolate the Kuwaiti Theater of Operations by targeting and re-targeting 42 major bridges (9 attacked overnight) and SCUD launch sites. 600 sorties on planned targets and targets of opportunity (small convoys, armored vehicles). 600 tanks destroyed to-date. 150 sorties targeted around-the-clock on Republican Guard positions ("they're in their bunkers hiding").

USS WISCONSIN attacked a dozen Iraqi artillery emplacements with 36 rounds of its 16-inch guns in support of a Marine reconnaissance probe into occupied Kuwait. Using its remotely pilot vehicle to visually relay pictures and gun-firing coordinates of targets, the battleships's harassment and interdiction mission was designed to pin down and confuse Iraqi gunners during the Marine attack. Off Khafji, Saudi Arabia, WISCONSIN also blasted bunkers, troops and artillery sites.

A-6s attacked and neutralized an Iraqi training frigate collocated with a TMC-45 class patrol boar (Exocet-capable craft) at Cor A1 Zubayr.

One SCUD missile is fired at Tel Aviv, Israel. Intercepted by United States Patriot missile. Debris caused several injuries.

13 additional Iraqi aircraft transit to Iran. Total to-date, 147 (121 fighters). Sporadic artillery fire from counter-batteries along border continues. Enemy prisoners of war total climbs to 943 (50 + officers) with surrender of 7 Iraqi soldiers.

Photo: A Kuwaiti McDonnell Douglas A-4KU Skyhawk aircraft and a U.S. Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle aircraft from the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing stand on an airfield prior to a mission