What is highway of death?

The "Highway of Death" refers to a stretch of highway between Kuwait and Iraq, primarily Highway 80, that became infamous during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

• The Context: During the final days of the war, as Iraqi forces were retreating from Kuwait following the ground offensive, they were targeted by coalition air forces.

• The Events: Coalition aircraft, primarily American, British, and French, bombed and strafed the long convoys of Iraqi soldiers and vehicles, creating widespread destruction. The retreating forces consisted of a mix of military personnel, equipment, and civilian vehicles, some allegedly carrying looted goods from Kuwait.

• The Aftermath: The resulting scene of destroyed and abandoned vehicles, along with the charred remains of soldiers, garnered international attention and sparked controversy. Some criticized the attack as excessive, arguing that the retreating forces posed no immediate threat. Others defended it as a legitimate act of war against an enemy that had invaded and occupied a sovereign nation.

• Controversy: The "Highway of Death" became a symbol of the brutality of war and raised questions about the rules of engagement. There was (and remains) debate about the scale of the casualties, the nature of the retreating forces (military vs. civilian), and the justification for the attacks. The number of fatalities is disputed.

• Legacy: The event has been used in propaganda and political discourse to criticize the conduct of the Gulf War and the actions of the coalition forces, particularly the United States. It continues to be a point of contention and remembrance related to the conflict.