Page 55 - Le Operazioni Interforze e Multinazionali nella Storia Militare - ACTA Tomo II

695
ActA
1. In the Northern Area (Hafr Al Baten)
GCC Forces took their positions respectively in Hafr Al Baten area in the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia as an assembly area for training, coordination and preparation. Com-
mands were formed and awaited orders in preparation to liberate Kuwait.

2. In the Eastern Area (Coastal Axis)
The remaining GCC Forces were positioned in the coastal axis of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, and formed command groups to coordinate their operations. Though most
of these units were derived from infantry forces, they managed to delay the attack by the
Iraqi Forces in cooperation with the air forces.

3. Joint Role of GCC Air Forces
During the initial stages of Operation Desert Shield, GCC countries mustered most
of their fighter jets and advanced training aircrafts and prepared for ground attack at Al
Dahran Air Base, to secure themselves from the direction of greatest threat.
The remaining air forces were gathered at several military bases, including air bases
of Tabouk, Taef, Al Gubiel, Ras Mosheab and others, in preparation for involvement. In
cooperation with the Allied Air Forces, this was aimed at securing the operational thea-
tre, deploying forces and engaging Iraqi Forces in case of any offensive actions against
the Saudi soil. At the same time, the Saudi fighter jets in cooperation with the GCC and
Allied fighter jets established a daily 24-hour air umbrella to secure deployment and
positioning activity as well as protecting critical sites especially in the Saudi Eastern
and Northern areas.

4. Navy
GCC Navy Forces participated in imposing the economic and trade embargo on Iraq,
and the GCC naval reconnaissance aircraft contributed to reconnaissance and surveil-
lance missions over the Arabian Gulf. Also, the GCC Navy Forces participated in the
naval interdiction force to observe Iraqi commercial ships.

5. Combat Support Measures by GCC Countries to Secure the Operational Thea-
tre
From the beginning of the Kuwaiti crisis untill completion of operations, GCC coun-
tries adopted several combat support measures collectively which contributed to the
maintenance of forces and securing of the operational theatre through the combat sup-
port maintenance.
Water, Food and Fuel: GCC Countries provided all required water, food and fuel
for the forces throughout the operational theatre.
Uniforms and Supplies: GCC Countries participated in making available all re-
quired uniforms and supplies for the forces across the operational theatre.
Transport of Needs: GCC Countries provided all possible means for movement of
supplies at the ports to the combat support stores at the operational theatre and then to
user units.