Bombing of Iraq begins as part of Operation Desert Storm. Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase of the Gulf War, began with a vast aerial bombing campaign by coalition air forces against targets in Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwait from January 17, 1991, to February 23, 1991. Led by the United States, the coalition flew over 100,000 sorties, dropping 88,500 tons of bombs, extensively destroying military and civilian infrastructure. The initial strikes were carried out by AGM-86 ALCM cruise missiles launched from B-52 Stratofortress bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from US Navy warships in the Persian Gulf, F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft armed with laser-guided smart bombs, F-4G Wild Weasel aircraft, and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft armed with HARM anti-radar missiles. These initial strikes allowed F-14 Tomcats, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and F/A-18 Hornets to gain air superiority over Iraq and then continue dropping laser-guided bombs. Armed with a GAU-8 rotary cannon and AGM-65 Maverick infrared or optically guided missiles, A-10 Thunderbolt IIs bombed and destroyed Iraqi armored forces, supporting the advance of U.S. ground forces. U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers, providing close air support, employed their 25 mm rotary cannon, Mavericks, cluster munitions, and napalm against entrenched Iraqi forces, paving the way for U.S. Marines to breach Iraqi defenses. AH-64 Apache and AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters use AGM-114 Hellfire and laser-guided TOW missiles, which are guided toward tanks by ground observers or reconnaissance helicopters, such as the OH-58D Kiowa. The Coalition air fleet also relies on E-3A air control and warning systems and a fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The Italians and British contribute Tornado fighters, while the British also contribute Victor tankers, which are flying their last operational sorties here before being withdrawn.
