ANTHOLOGY AND ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY                                     83


                                  G+2

    On 26 February, the third day of offensive ground combat operations, I MFF
continued the ground attack in zone,  advancing     in the face of moderate
resistance.   The 1st MarDiv's objective (MEF Objective C) was the Kuwait
International Airport, and the final assault on the objective began at 1600 lo-
cal.  Encountering armored resistance, the division continued to engage until
enemy forces surrendered northwest of the airport.  In seizing the airport, the
division destroyed 250 T-55/62 tanks and over 70 T-72 tanks, again with only
minimal casualties and equipment losses. (See Map 5.)
    The 2d MarDiv advanced to MEF Objective B, the city of Al Jahra, with
moderate opposition, engaging and destroying enemy armor in zone.  By 1600
the division had secured the objective and continued through to secure pOSitions,
to include the high ground at Mutla Ridge northwest of Al Jahra, blocking the
Iraqi escape route north to lBasrah. 2d MarDiv casualties and equipment losses
were minimal, while 166 enemy tanks were destroyed and 4,200 enemy
prisoners were captured.
    The 3d MAW continued to support the I MEF advance, striking targets
throughout the division zones, concentrating on artillery and armor in the
vicinity of Al Jahra and Kuwait International Airport.  Damage assessments
included the destruction of 16 tanks, 2 armored personnel carriers, and 50
vehicles.
    The 1st FSSG continued to push supplies forward and move enemy prisoners
of war to the rear, while the 5th MEB ground combat element moved to Al
Jaber airfield to assist in prisoner control and stood by as the I MEF reserve.
In the second amphibious deception operation in two days, helicopters from 4th
MEB conducted a predawn demonstration toward Bubiyan and Faylakah islands.
(See Map 5.)

                                  G+3

    On 27 February, the fourth day of ground combat operations, I MEF
continued the offense in support of Operation DESERT STORM.
    The 1st MarDiv completed the consolidation and securing of Kuwait In-
ternational Airport by 0900 local, began clearing operations, and prepared to
receive special operations elements and Kuwaiti officials.  The division also
coordinated passage of lines for Arab forces from Joint Forces Command East
to enter Kuwait City.
    The 2d MarDiv remained in the vicinity of Al Jahra in blocking positions,
to include Mutla Ridge; it linked up with Kuwaiti resistance forces and began
clearing its zone while coordinating the passage of lines for Arab forces from
Joint Forces Command North moving into Kuwait City.
    The 3d MAW flew more than 200 sorties in support of the divisions, striking
withdrawing elements of the Iraqi forces in northern Kuwait. By late afternoon,
airborne forward air controllers reported that it was difficult to find a target