Operation Vigilant Warrior facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Operation Vigilant Warrior |
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 An M577 command and control vehicle rolls off the Military Sealift Command ship MV Cape Decision |
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Operation Vigilant Warrior (which means "The Alert Warrior" in Arabic) was a military action by the United States in 1994. It happened because Iraq moved some of its troops, called the Iraqi Republican Guard, close to the border of Kuwait. The operation lasted from October 8 to December 15, 1994. The quick decision by U.S. President Bill Clinton helped American forces get to the area very fast.
Contents
How the Operation Unfolded
Early Actions
In early October 1994, a special group of U.S. soldiers, called the Special Forces, was already in Kuwait. They were there for training with Kuwait's military. When Iraqi troops moved towards the border, their training mission quickly changed. They started helping to defend Kuwait.
These Special Forces teams helped set up a "Combat Air Support" (CAS) umbrella. This meant they helped guide planes to protect the northern part of Kuwait from the air. They also helped make sure that friendly forces didn't accidentally attack each other.
Troops Arrive
On October 7, 1994, a large group of U.S. soldiers from the 24th Infantry Division in Georgia got ready to move. The very next day, the first parts of this group flew to Camp Doha in Kuwait. They arrived within 48 hours.
Within three days, this reinforced group was able to use military equipment that was already stored in Kuwait. Two batteries of Patriot missiles, which are used to shoot down enemy missiles, also arrived.
Marine and Air Force Support
Other U.S. military groups also joined the effort. The 1st Marine Logistics Group sent about 120 Marines and their equipment from California to Saudi Arabia. From there, they traveled by road to a port.
At the same time, another part of the 24th Infantry Division flew from Georgia to a port in Saudi Arabia. They picked up more military equipment that was stored on ships. The U.S. Air Force also sent A-10 attack planes to an air base in Saudi Arabia. These planes later moved closer to Kuwait to help with air support.
United Kingdom's Help
The United Kingdom also sent help. They sent two warships, HMS Cardiff and HMS Cornwall. They also sent more RAF Tornado GR1s fighter jets, bringing their total to 12. About 1,000 British troops, including some special commandos, were also flown into Kuwait. These commandos worked closely with the U.S. 24th Infantry Division.
Iraq's Retreat and End of Operation
By the end of October, Iraq started to pull its ground forces back. Since the danger was gone, the U.S. and allied troops began to leave Kuwait. The Marines left Saudi Arabia in early November. Most of the 24th Infantry Division returned home before Thanksgiving, but some stayed until early December.
Why Did Iraq Move Troops?
There is some discussion about why Iraq moved its troops in October 1994. Some people, like Hussein Kamel, who was Saddam Hussein's son-in-law and later left Iraq, said that Saddam wanted to invade Kuwait again. However, the quick response from the U.S. stopped him.
Others believe that Saddam never really planned to invade. They think he just wanted to get attention because Iraq was facing many international rules and restrictions at the time.
What we do know is that after this event, on November 10, 1994, Iraq officially recognized Kuwait as an independent country.
Awards and Recognition
The military headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, received the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for their work during Operation Vigilant Warrior. U.S. service members who took part in the operation were given the Southwest Asia Service Medal.
President Clinton visited the troops in Kuwait in late October. He spoke to the soldiers of the 24th Infantry Division. He told them that their fast arrival had sent a clear message to Iraq, which made Iraq pull its forces back. To the delight of the soldiers, he also announced that they would be home before Christmas.
