The Gulf War began in August 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait, led by Saddam Hussein. In response, a US-led coalition known as Operation Desert Shield was formed to defend Saudi Arabia. After diplomatic efforts failed, Operation Desert Storm was launched in January 1991 to liberate Kuwait. The air campaign bombed Iraqi targets and within 100 hours, the coalition forces drove Iraqi troops from Kuwait. Iraq agreed to a ceasefire on February 28th, 1991, ending the Gulf War.