The Gulf War of the early 1990s was an important chapter in Canada’s military history. More than 4,000 Canadians served in the Persian Gulf region in 1990-1991 as part of a Coalition of countries. Their goal was to remove the invading forces of Iraq from neighboring Kuwait. Canadians also served in peacekeeping and embargo enforcement efforts in the region after the war. This was the first conflict where Canadian women played an active combat role.
28 February 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War.
ORDER OF EVENTS
2 August 1990
More than 100,000 Iraqi troops invade Kuwait
7-8 August 1990
The United States begins Operation Desert Shield
10 August 1990
Canadian government announces military support in Persian Gulf
12 August 1990
Coalition naval blockade of Iraq begins
24 August 1990
Canadian warships set sail from Halifax for Persian Gulf
8 October 1990
First Canadian CF-18 jets arrive in the Middle East
15 January 1991
Iraq ignores United Nations deadline to withdraw from Kuwait
16-17 January 1991
Operation Desert Storm begins as Coalition forces launch first air attacks
24 February 1991
Major Coalition ground offensive begins
28 February 1991
Coalition announces a ceasefire and stops combat operations
3 March 1991
Iraq accepts ceasefire terms
- Date modified: