The 36th Anniversary of the Aggressive Iraqi Invasion: Historic National Cohesion and Global Support for Justice

The 36th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion of the State of Kuwait, which dawned on August 2, 1990, serves as a testament to one of the most pivotal historical milestones in the nation’s memory, marked by severe threats to the state’s existence and sovereignty. On this day, Kuwaitis recall with pride and honor the sacrifices made by their compatriots across various fronts, paying respectful tribute to the righteous martyrs whose pure blood watered the soil of Kuwait in the struggle to restore the country’s sovereignty over its entire territory.

During this bitter ordeal, the highest ideals of national cohesion emerged as the people rallied behind their political leadership and legitimate government, reaffirming their commitment to constitutional legitimacy and state sovereignty, and embodying the finest examples of loyalty, fidelity, and devotion to the beloved homeland. This unity, alongside Arab and international support, contributed significantly to the liberation of Kuwait and the restoration of its sovereignty. This trial remains a living witness that the unity of the people and their leadership is the foundation of the state’s strength and stability, and the key to overcoming all crises and dangers it faces.

In the early hours of that day, Iraqi forces invaded Kuwaiti territory in a treacherous aggression aimed at forcibly occupying the country, stripping it of its freedom, and attempting to eradicate its legitimacy. The invaders employed the most heinous methods of killing, detaining, and torturing civilians, bombing civilian and military sites, looting property, and terrorizing the innocent. The Kuwaiti people demonstrated the finest examples of sacrifice and bravery in resisting the occupation and rallying around their legitimate leadership. The light of Kuwaiti resistance emerged, delivering painful blows to the invading forces, protecting the general populace, and boosting their morale.

The heroism of the Kuwaiti resistance sent a clear message to the outside world: the Kuwaiti people reject the Iraqi occupation, resist its presence, and fight for their freedom and sovereignty. Special military factions and groups were formed to resist the occupier and inflict maximum casualties, while a solid internal front emerged to manage the lifelines of the country, undertaking logistical support, food aid, and medical assistance, alongside media efforts to convey the nation’s voice to the world.

Kuwaiti women recorded a historical epic in defending the nation’s soil through their active participation in all forms of resistance. Their involvement ranged from delivering supplies and weapons to resistance fighters, to participating in military operations and capturing enemy soldiers, ultimately contributing to the liberation of the country.

The wise leadership of the country at that time exerted immense efforts to garner Arab and international support for Kuwait’s just cause on regional and international platforms. It also took necessary measures to liberate the country, host the Kuwaiti people wherever they were, and provide them with essential aid. The world responded to the call of justice. The permanent members of the UN Security Council adopted a unified stance against the Iraqi aggression on Kuwaiti soil. This was evident shortly after news of the invasion reached the Security Council chambers, which convened and unanimously adopted Resolution 660, condemning the brutal invasion and demanding the immediate withdrawal of all Iraqi forces from Kuwait without any conditions.

Following Resolution 660, the Security Council adopted Resolution 661, imposing comprehensive economic and military sanctions on Iraq to compel its withdrawal from Kuwait without preconditions. The Security Council also issued a third resolution regarding the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, Resolution 662, in which the United Nations firmly rejected Iraq’s decision to annex Kuwait, declaring it null and void. The resolution called upon all states, international organizations, and specialized agencies not to recognize such annexation.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states formed the nucleus of the political and diplomatic movement rejecting the aggression, convening an emergency meeting of their foreign ministers on August 3, 1990, followed by an emergency Arab Summit held in Cairo on August 10, 1990.

In implementation of the successive UN Security Council resolutions rejecting the aggression, the International Coalition for the Liberation of Kuwait was formed. On January 17, 1991, the first air strike of Operation Desert Storm began, leading to Kuwait’s return as a free and proud nation on February 26, 1991, after approximately 210 days of occupation.

This support from fraternal and friendly forces resulted from the status Kuwait had acquired through its wise policies, honorable stances, balanced relations with world nations and regional and international organizations, and its provision of diverse aid. Kuwait also played a prominent role in extending assistance to victims and the needy, including the poor, worldwide, and providing urgent relief to mitigate disasters affecting many countries through Kuwaiti charitable bodies and institutions.

Kuwaitis have always believed that a nation is measured not by its size or area, but by the value of its people. They firmly believe that unity of ranks, loyalty to wise leadership, and trust in the justice of their cause are the true weapons against injustice and tyranny. Despite the harshness of the event, the Kuwaiti people proved to the entire world that love for the homeland is invincible, and that faith in legitimacy and national unity is stronger than any brute force. Furthermore, the homeland cannot be erased as long as there is a voice everywhere demanding justice and calling upon the world to rescue the land of peace.

The anniversary of the invasion remains a national occasion to recall the sacrifices of the martyrs and the resilience of the people, to renew pride in the unity of the homeland and loyalty to its leadership, and to serve as an opportunity to instill national values in the hearts of future generations, so they may continue to carry their country’s flag with pride and contribute to completing the path of development, progress, and nation-building.