Iraqi ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia

Iraqi ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia
Part of the Gulf War
Aftermath of an Iraqi missile attack on a US barracks in Dhahran on 25 February 1991
TypeAirstrike
Location
TargetSaudi Arabian and American military targets
Date18 January – 26 February 1991
Executed by Iraqi Armed Forces
Casualties
  • 28 U.S. soldiers killed
  • 150 U.S. soldiers injured
  • 1 security guard killed
  • 85 civilians injured

Between 18 January and 26 February 1991, Ba'athist Iraq launched 46 al-Husayn Scud missiles against Saudi Arabian and American military targets in Dhahran and the Saudi capital of Riyadh amidst the Gulf War. Attacks began hours after US General Norman Schwarzkopf emphasized large-scale efforts taken to comb the vast expanses of western Iraq for missile attacks aimed at Israel.

Although the attacks were largely inaccurate, the missiles caused 28 of the 148 United States battle deaths during the Gulf War. Most of the Iraqi ballistic missiles fired at Saudi Arabia were aimed at military targets, leading to low civilian casualties.