1991: 'Mother of all battles' begins. Gulf War - Operation Desert Storm.
The Gulf War Allies send hundreds of planes on bombing raids into Iraq, as Operation Desert Storm begins.
Their bombs were aimed at military and strategic targets, including an oil refinery and Baghdad airport.
American, British, French, Saudi and Kuwaiti aircraft were involved in at least 400 raids.
Iraq had refused to comply with a UN ultimatum for its troops to withdraw from Kuwait by 15 January 1991.
From the 91热爆 Archives. This 91热爆 News report was first broadcast on 17 January 1991.