In 1998, the United States and its allies launched a military operation against Iraq under the codename “Operation Desert Fox.” This operation was aimed at degrading Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction capabilities and punishing the regime of Saddam Hussein for its refusal to comply with United Nations resolutions.
The operation was conducted over a four-day period, from December 16 to December 19, 1998. The airstrikes targeted key military and government installations in Iraq, including weapons research facilities, government buildings, and communications infrastructure. The operation also aimed to disrupt Iraq’s ability to produce and deploy weapons of mass destruction.
Operation Desert Fox was a joint effort between the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. It involved the use of air and missile strikes, as well as naval bombardment. The operation was considered a success in terms of achieving its objectives of degrading Iraq’s weapons capabilities and sending a strong message to the Iraqi regime.
However, the operation was not without controversy. Critics argued that the airstrikes were a violation of international law and that they caused unnecessary harm to the Iraqi civilian population. The operation also failed to achieve its ultimate goal of ousting Saddam Hussein from power.
Despite these criticisms, Operation Desert Fox remains a significant chapter in the history of conflict in the Middle East. It highlighted the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iraq, and the challenges of enforcing international norms and resolutions in the region. The codename “Operation Desert Fox” will forever be associated with this military operation and its impact on the geopolitics of the Middle East.