File: 082696_d50028_115.txt
Page: 115
Total Pages: 274

Times, January 16, p. 8.)

January 16 OPERA~ON DESERT STORM COMM:ENCES
Wednesday--- White House Press Secretary Fitzwater announces that, "The liberation of Kuwait
has begun. In conjunction with coalition patttners, the United States has moved under the code name
Operation Desert Storm to enforce the mandates of the United Nations Security Council. As of 7 o'clock
P.M. (EST), Operation Desert Storm forces were engaging targets in Iraq and Kuwait." (New York
Times, January 17, p. Al.)

Undisclosed numbers of U.S., British and Kuwaiti planes are joined by 150 Saudi jets in launching
massive attacks against targets in Kuwait and Iraq. (New York Times, January 17, p. Al.)

U.S. led air attack on Iraq opens with nearly flawless bombing raids achieving a strong measure of
surprise, suppressing Iraqi defenses and seizing the skies over Iraq and Kuwait. (Wall Street Journal,
January 17, p. A7B.)

U.S. led coalition against Iraq takes final shape just hours before American planes began attacking
targets in Iraq as France announced that its troops would be placed under American command for "pre-
determined missions" to liberate Kuwait. The French move means that all key members of the
multinational coalition have agreed on a framework for command and control. (Washington Post,
January 17, p. A27.)

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell says that the U.S. is tracking Saddam Hussein's
movements, but not with the idea of targeting him in a military strike. (~Jnited Press International,
January 17.)

Federal and local law enforcement authorities, operating out of dozens of command posts nationwide,
are on the alert for pro-Iraqi terrorist activities aimed at military or civilian targets. (Washington Times,
January 17, p. 5.)

---Israeli military declares a civil emergency and orders Israelis to remain in their homes. (Washington
Post, January 17, p. A24.)

The PLO vows worldwide terrorism against the U.S. and Britain in retaliation for the death of a high
PLO official. The PLO blames the West for the murder of the official. (Washington Times, January
17, p. 10.)

U.S. will send an additional 48 jets to the Incirlik air base in Turkey. (London Financial Times,
January 16, p. 2.)

2-89