Page 56 - Le Operazioni Interforze e Multinazionali nella Storia Militare - ACTA Tomo II

696 XXXIX Congresso della CommIssIone InternazIonale dI storIa mIlItare • CIHm

Transport of Heavy Weapons and Equipment: GCC Countries provided the larg-
est portion of cargo trucks for movement of heavy weapons and equipment from the
shipping ports to the positioning areas.
Theatre Medical Preparation: GCC Countries participated in providing medical
preparations for the theatre of operations through makeshift hospitals and treatment fa-
cilities.
Troop Accommodation: In cooperation with Japan, the GCC Countries were able to
conduct a number of projects to construct accommodations for the allied forces.
It is clearly evident from the previous paragraphs that the GCC Countries led con-
certed and joint efforts to provide combat support for the theatre of operations. These
efforts were among the most difficult missions faced by GCC Forces due to the lack of
most resources in the operational theatre and the large numbers of forces.
This shows the effectiveness of previous training undergone by the logistics units
during peace time in preparation for any contingent circumstances, which facilitated
their missions during operations.

Phase (2): This phase was divided into several steps as follows:
Al Khafji Operation
This battle was characterized by a spirit of cooperation between the international co-
alition forces in general and GCC Countries in particular, as it was the first step toward
repelling the Iraqi Forces which occupied Al Khafji, and defeating and causing damage
to the occupation forces. It also raised the morale of the GCC Forces.
Role of Air Forces
The GCC Air Forces participated in the air campaign under the command of the US
Air Forces.
Also, the GCC Air Forces destroyed the Iraqi defensive targets and command posts
within and to the north of Kuwait. They focused their attacks on the Republican Guard,
command and control posts and ammunition depots, as well as attacking some airports,
defense positions and air defenses.
UAE Air Forces
From the beginning of the military operations, the Air Forces and Air Defense Forces
participated effectively in the battle as part of the international coalition forces and also
as part of the GCC air forces. The air forces conducted (173) air sorties without casu-
alties; the first sortie was on February 16 1991 and the last one was on February 27
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1991. Local pilots of all ranks participated in these sorties.
Land Battle Progress
In order to outline the role of the GCC Countries and their solidarity during the of-
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fensive action which started on February 24 1991 and ended on February 28 1991, a
short explanation will be given to demonstrate this role and success during the progress
of the offensive action in the operational theatre.
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On February 24 1991, at 4:00 A.M, the Joint Command issued its orders to launch an
attack on the coastal axis through the Eastern Forces area, which includes GCC Forces.