The Gulf War

Map of Operation Dessert Storm 1990-1991 — A map of Operation Dessert Storm between February 24th through 28th in 1991

The Persian Gulf War (2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991)

In response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait, the United States led a coalition of 34 nations to defend Saudi Arabia and liberate Kuwait. This armed campaign was carried out in two critical military operations, known as Operation Desert Shield (a large-scale air offensive) and Operation Desert Storm (a 100-hour land war). The multinational coalition won the war, leading to the liberation of Kuwait.

More information about the Gulf War!

Gulf War Illness

Gulf War Illness is a disorder characterized by multiple persistent symptoms and other abnormalities that are not explained by traditional medical diagnoses or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Symptoms

chronic headaches
widespread pain
cognitive difficulties
debilitating fatigue
gastrointestinal problems
respiratory symptoms

These symptoms are thought to be caused by sarin chemical warfare agents, pesticides, and pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pills meant to protect soldiers from nerve gas during deployment. Additionally, non-toxicant exposures such as witnessing troops’ injuries have also been associated with adverse health outcomes. This complex set of chronic symptoms may affect as many as 200,000 to 250,000 Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War, out of the nearly 700,000 deployed to that region.