The Gulf War's First Major Ground Battle: The Deadly 1991 Battle of Khafji Between Iraq and Saudi Arabia

The Gulf War's First Major Ground Battle: The Deadly 1991 Battle of Khafji Between Iraq and Saudi Arabia

The Battle of Khafji, which unfolded between January 29 and February 1, 1991, during the Gulf War, marked the first significant ground engagement between Coalition forces and the Iraqi military. Situated near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border, the coastal city of Khafji became the focal point of a surprise Iraqi offensive, leading to intense combat that tested the resolve and coordination of the Coalition forces.

Prelude to the Battle

In August 1990, Iraq, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein, invaded neighboring Kuwait, triggering international condemnation and the formation of a U.S.-led Coalition to counter Iraqi aggression. By January 1991, after a sustained aerial bombardment campaign against Iraqi military targets, Coalition forces were preparing for a ground assault to liberate Kuwait. In a bid to disrupt these preparations and possibly draw Coalition troops into a premature ground engagement, Iraqi forces initiated an offensive into Saudi territory.

Iraqi Offensive Strategy

The Iraqi plan involved a multi-pronged assault spearheaded by elements of the 1st Mechanized, 3rd Armored, and 5th Mechanized Divisions. These units were tasked with advancing into Saudi Arabia along the coastline, with Khafji as a primary objective. Additionally, Iraqi commandos were to infiltrate deeper into Saudi territory by sea to harass Coalition rear positions. The overarching goal was to seize Khafji, thereby gaining a strategic foothold and potentially undermining Coalition morale.

Initial Movements and Coalition Surveillance

On January 28, 1991, Coalition intelligence assets, including the newly deployed E-8A Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft, detected significant Iraqi troop movements toward the Saudi border. Observation posts manned by U.S. Marines reported increased reconnaissance activities by Iraqi forces. Despite these indicators, the full scale and intent of the Iraqi offensive were not immediately apparent to Coalition commanders.

The Iraqi Assault on Khafji

On the night of January 29, Iraqi forces launched their offensive. While several Iraqi columns were repelled by U.S. Marine Corps and Army units along the border, one mechanized battalion successfully penetrated the defenses and occupied the city of Khafji. The rapid seizure of the city caught Coalition forces off guard, as Khafji had been largely evacuated and was lightly defended at the time.

Coalition Response and Counteroffensive

In response to the Iraqi occupation of Khafji, Coalition forces swiftly organized a counteroffensive. Saudi Arabian National Guard battalions, supported by Qatari tank companies and U.S. Marine Corps units, were mobilized to retake the city. The Coalition's strategy emphasized combined arms operations, integrating ground assaults with extensive air support to dislodge Iraqi forces.

Urban Combat and Air Support

The battle for Khafji involved intense urban combat, with Coalition forces engaging Iraqi troops entrenched within the city. Close air support played a pivotal role in neutralizing Iraqi armored vehicles and fortifications. Coalition aircraft flew numerous sorties, targeting Iraqi positions and supply lines, thereby hindering their ability to reinforce and resupply. The effective use of air power underscored its critical importance in modern warfare, particularly in urban settings.

Challenges and Friendly Fire Incidents

The complexity of the urban environment, combined with the presence of multiple Coalition forces, led to challenges in coordination and communication. Tragically, instances of friendly fire occurred, resulting in Coalition casualties. These incidents highlighted the difficulties inherent in joint operations and underscored the need for improved identification and communication protocols among allied units.

Outcome and Casualties

By February 1, after several days of fierce fighting, Coalition forces successfully recaptured Khafji. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Coalition forces suffered 43 fatalities, including 11 due to friendly fire, and 52 wounded. Iraqi casualties were estimated to be between 60 and 300 killed, with approximately 400 soldiers captured. The Iraqis also suffered substantial material losses, including numerous armored vehicles destroyed by Coalition air and ground forces.

Strategic and Psychological Implications

The Battle of Khafji held considerable strategic and psychological significance. For Iraq, the temporary occupation of the city served as a propaganda tool, showcasing their ability to conduct offensive operations despite the Coalition's air superiority. However, the swift and effective Coalition response demonstrated the resilience and coordination of the allied forces, bolstering morale and reinforcing the effectiveness of their combined arms approach.

Lessons Learned and Military Doctrine

The engagement at Khafji provided valuable lessons in modern warfare, particularly concerning urban combat, joint operations, and the integration of air and ground forces. The battle underscored the importance of real-time intelligence, effective communication, and the need for flexibility in command and control structures. These insights informed subsequent military doctrines and highlighted areas for improvement in coalition warfare.

Conclusion

The Battle of Khafji stands as a pivotal moment in the Gulf War, marking the first major ground confrontation and testing the mettle of Coalition forces against a determined Iraqi offensive. The lessons gleaned from this engagement continue to influence military strategy and underscore the complexities of modern warfare.

Photo from Wikipedia

Share this

Earthisone