British Couple Reacts To Desert Storm - The Ground War, Day 1 - Crush The Saddam Line - Animated

On February 23, 1991, the ground invasion to liberate Kuwait began in Operation Desert Storm. This marked a crucial turning point in the war against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. The US third and fifth Special Forces groups joined the green beret Delta Force and British SAS operatives already in Iraq, acting as invisible eyes in the desert.

This ground invasion came after five weeks of an intense bombing campaign, with a 35-nation strong coalition formed as a response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The coalition had conducted a massive bombing campaign, averaging 2500 bombing sorties per day. The primary targets were Saddam Hussein's Army and its control structures and logistics lines. The bombing had also targeted Iraqi troops themselves to weaken their resolve to fight.

The Coalition Forces: A Formidable Lineup

Under the leadership of General Norman Schwarzkopf, the commander-in-chief of coalition forces, the ground invasion was meticulously coordinated. The coalition forces were split into five cores along the front line.

The west flank consisted of the 18th Airborne Corps, including the French Dage A Light Armored Division, the U.S 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions. The French division was supported by the U.S 82nd as motorized infantry, while the 101st consisted of 16,000 paratroopers riding into battle with 350 helicopters.

The 3rd Corps included the 24th Infantry Division and third Armored Cavalry Regiment, bringing a combined force of 333 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and 333 Abrams main battle tanks. The centerpiece of the ground invasion was formed by the U.S first and third Armored Divisions, along with the British first Armored Division. They had the support of the U.S first Cavalry and first Infantry Divisions, and the second Armored Cavalry Regiment. The first Infantry Division, famously known as The Big Red One, had been the first waves to attack Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944.

The 7th Corps, on the border with Kuwait, consisted of the U.S first and second Marine divisions and divisions of Egyptian, Saudi, Kuwaiti, and Syrian armor. Marine Central Command also included a brigade from the second Armored Division.

The Battering Ram: Breaking Through Enemy Lines

The ground invasion was a spectacular display of military might. Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, attack helicopters, and troops crossed the border into Iraq with astonishing numbers. Over 146,000 troops and thousands of vehicles were involved in this massive assault.

Watching videos of the ground invasion gave insight into the coordination and magnitude of the operation. It was mind-boggling to witness the sheer size and power of the military forces at play. The focus was primarily on the strategic and military aspects, emphasizing the overwhelming force of the coalition.

Overwhelming Firepower: Coalition Forces vs. Iraqi Troops

The coalition forces had a clear advantage over the Iraqi military in terms of firepower. Out of the roughly 350,000 Iraqi troops in the region, approximately 140,000 had already deserted, and another 26,000 had been killed in the pre-invasion bombing. The remaining 180,000 Iraqi troops were armed with outdated tanks and had no air power to speak of. In contrast, the coalition forces had modern tanks and superior air power.

It's worth noting that Saddam Hussein strategically positioned his weakest divisions on the border while keeping his elite Republican Guard divisions further north. If there were to be a liberation of Kuwait, the coalition forces would have to face the highly trained Republican Guard in the desert.

Advancing Into Enemy Territory: Coalition War Plans

The coalition forces had detailed plans for advancing into enemy territory. On D-Day, the left and right flanks had different strategies. Marine Central Command and Joint Forces Commander East meticulously carved entry paths through dense minefields on the Kuwaiti border. Simultaneously, the 18th Corps would blitz north. The 101st Airborne Division would perform a massive helicopter assault to capture objective Cobra, an area 155 miles behind enemy lines, and build a forward operating base.

The French and 82nd Airborne divisions would capture objective Roshambo, then advance to Salman Crossroads and Airfield. On G plus one, the 5th to 7th Corps would advance across the Saddam Line and push north until they reached Q8, where they would face the Republican Guard.

The First Day of the Ground Invasion: Breakthrough and Surrenders

On the 24th of February at 5:30 am, U.S Marines on the right flank advanced across the border and were immediately met with Iraqi artillery fire. However, the Marines swiftly retaliated, and within 30 minutes, the Iraqi positions crumbled without inflicting any U.S. losses. The Marines covered 12 miles to the edge of the first minefield in Kuwait, where engineers cleared paths for tanks to advance.

On the left flank, the 18th Corps advanced into Iraq without any minefields to contend with. The French and American soldiers moved forward together, encountering sporadic enemy artillery fire from scattered elements of the Iraqi 45th Infantry Division.

The 101st Airborne performed a helicopter assault while Kiowas and French Gazelles attacked enemy vehicles, and A-10 strikes were guided in. Despite facing challenges from sandstorms and rain, progress was made as Iraqi forces began to surrender. The French and American forces continued their crawl forward.

A Successful First Day: Objectives Secured

The first day of the ground invasion had been remarkably successful. The coalition forces secured their objectives and overwhelmed the opposing forces with numerous mass surrenders. Troops, artillery, vehicles, fuel, food, water, and ammunition poured in, setting up a defensive perimeter and establishing bases.

Despite some delays caused by weather conditions and certain allied forces, the advance into Iraq and Kuwait was progressing as planned. The coalition forces were showcasing their overwhelming firepower and strategic advantage over the Iraqi troops.

Operation Desert Storm was an incredible display of military prowess and coalition power. It marked a significant turning point in the war and set the stage for the eventual liberation of Kuwait. The ground invasion was a testament to the determination and coordination of the coalition forces, and the first day of the invasion showcased their ability to execute strategic plans with remarkable efficiency.