'The Highway of Death': One of the most brutal chapters of the Gulf War

The Highway of Death refers to the stretch of road between Kuwait and Basra, Iraq, where the United States and its allies launched a massive attack on retreating Iraqi troops during the Gulf War in 1991. The attack resulted in thousands of soldiers and civilians dying, leaving the highway littered with burnt-out vehicles and corpses. 
The Highway of Death is still considered one of the darkest events of the Gulf War perpetrated by the West and has been the subject of much debate and criticism.

History behind

In August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, triggering the Gulf War. The United States and a coalition of 35 other countries intervened to protect Kuwait, a major oil producer and a key ally of the United States. After several months of air strikes, ground troops were deployed in February 1991, and a ground offensive began.

On February 24, 1991, a massive coalition bombing campaign was launched against retreating Iraqi troops on the highway between Kuwait and Basra. The attack was authorised by General Norman Schwarzkopf, who was the commander of the coalition forces. The attack aimed to destroy the Iraqi army's ability to fight by destroying its vehicles and supplies.

The Attack

The attack began early morning on February 24 and lasted for several hours. Coalition aircraft bombed and strafed the highway, destroying vehicles and killing those still on the road. It was conducted without warning, and many vehicles on the highway were civilians fleeing the war zone. The majority of the vehicles were destroyed, and many of those who survived were left stranded without food or water.

The international community widely condemned the attack, and many accused the coalition forces of committing a war crime. The images of burnt-out vehicles and corpses on the highway were broadcast worldwide, and the attack became a symbol of the brutality of the war.

Controversy

The Highway of Death remains one of the most controversial events of the Gulf War. The coalition forces claimed that the attack was a legitimate military action and that they were targeting legitimate military targets. However, many critics argued that the attack violated the laws of war, resulting in the deaths of civilians and non-combatants.

The attack was also criticised for its lack of proportionality. Critics argued that the coalition forces used excessive force in an otherwise unnecessary attack to achieve the military objectives. Many also argued that it violated the principle of distinction, which requires that combatants distinguish between civilians and military targets.

The United States and its allies defended the attack, arguing that the retreating Iraqi troops were a legitimate military target and that the attack was necessary to prevent the Iraqi army from regrouping and launching a counter-attack. The coalition forces also argued that they had warned the Iraqi army of the attack and given them the opportunity to surrender.

Legacy

The Highway of Death has had a lasting impact on the Middle East. The heart-wrenching images of dead bodies and destroyed vehicles on the highway were seared into the public consciousness. It led to a wider debate about the conduct of the war and the use of military force to achieve political objectives.

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