1990 US Forces Reach 200,000 in Persian Gulf

Name: 1990 US Forces Reach 200,000 in Persian Gulf
Start: 1924-10-16
Location: Unspecified

Escalation of Military Presence in the Persian Gulf

The Build-Up of US Forces

In November 1990, the United States reached a significant milestone as the number of troops deployed to the **Persian Gulf** soared to **200,000**. This surge was a response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, which had created a critical situation threatening regional stability and global oil supply.

The Strategic Importance of the Persian Gulf

The **Persian Gulf** is a strategic region due to its vast oil reserves and its proximity to critical shipping lanes. With Iraq's aggression raising alarms, the US, alongside coalition partners, aimed to deter further aggression through a robust military presence, underscoring the importance of secure oil flows.

Coalition Forces Mobilize

The Role of the United Nations

In response to Iraq’s actions, the United Nations enacted **sanctions** and issued resolutions demanding Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait. These international efforts galvanized a collective military response, aligning countries to participate in Operation Desert Shield, aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia and preparing for potential military action.

Operation Desert Shield

Initiated in August 1990, **Operation Desert Shield** was the operation responsible for the protection of Saudi Arabia and the build-up of US and coalition forces. With the escalation to **200,000 troops**, it became evident that the US was committed to restoring Kuwait’s sovereignty and maintaining regional peace.

Fun Fact

Quick Mobilization

The rapid deployment of US troops to the **Persian Gulf** was one of the largest mobilizations since World War II, showcasing the capability of the US military to respond quickly to international crises.