Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf D+10 (19 July, 1987)

Saddam Hussein was a leader who had built his power from opportunities presented by chaotic, unpredictable situations. As global tensions rose in late June and early July of 1987, Hussein was already looking to use it to his advantage. The attention of the United States and Soviet Union was diverted away from the Middle East …

Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf D+7-D+9 (16-18 July, 1987)

D+7 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) responds to Iraq’s intention to abrogate its financial debts to Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The GCC does not accept Iraq’s reasons, pointing out quite correctly that Baghdad’s war with Iran remains in a state of ceasefire because of the larger, more consequential conflict between the United States and Soviet …

The Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf D+3-D+6 (12 July-15 July, 1987)

    D+3 (12 July, 1987) The day passes relatively quietly. Soviet forces in Yemen continue to lick their wounds while awaiting guidance and orders from Moscow regarding the next phase of operations. Further offensive action against Iran has been prohibited for the time being. It remains uncertain whether or not this will change at …

The Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf D+2 (11 July, 1987)

With the 7th MAB now on the ground and marrying up to its equipment in Dhahran, the US military presence in eastern Saudi Arabia was consolidating quickly. The Marines would be combat-ready  within twelve hours. Additional fighter squadrons, along with tankers, AWACS, and other air assets were set to arrive at airbases in Saudi Arabia, …

The Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf: D+1 (10 July, 1987) Part II

US Air Force assets on the ground in Saudi Arabia on the morning of 10 July were as follows: 2 squadrons of F-15A Eagles from the 49th TFW,  1 squadron of F-16C Falcons and a detachment of A-10 Warthogs were staked out at Dhahran Air Base. A detachment of 4 E-3A Sentries, and a growing …

The Arabian Peninsula/Persian Gulf: D+1 (10 July, 1987) Part I

Time was running out for the Soviets. Opportunities to interdict the MPS ships en route to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia had largely been exhausted as dawn broke on 10 July. Submarine attacks on MPSRON 2 and its escorts resulted in the sinking of a US frigate at the cost of two subs. The seven cargo ships …

The Arabian Peninsula & Persian Gulf: D+0 (9 July, 1987) Part II**

*Author’s Note: This will be the final timeline embed of 2018 😊*   9 July Note: All times posted here will be Riyadh Time (GMT+3) 0630- Upon receiving word that war has broken out in Europe, the USS Constellation’s air wing (CVW-14) establishes combat air patrols, and ASW coverage over the MPSRON-2 ships bound for …

The Arabian Peninsula & Persian Gulf: D+0 (9 July, 1987) Part I**

  The Stage is Set On the morning hostilities broke out in Europe, the Soviet military forces in the Persian Gulf region consisted primarily of naval and air forces based in and around South Yemen. A small number of submarines were operating in the Arabian Sea and western reaches of the Indian Ocean. The Indian …