Newscast Episode 2 - Old Newscast: The Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, 1991 (Part 2)
11 snips
Aug 24, 2025 
Kate Adie, a BBC reporter embedded with British forces, Justin Webb, who reported alongside Egyptian troops, and Jeremy Bowen, who was on the ground in Baghdad, share their gripping experiences during the Gulf War. They recount the chaotic build-up to Operation Desert Storm and the intense early moments of ground combat. Vivid imagery captures the havoc faced by both soldiers and civilians, alongside the haunting aftermath of burning oil wells. Their unique insights offer a poignant look at the complexities of reporting in a war zone and the environmental consequences of conflict.
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Air Power Weakened But Didn't End Occupation
- Adam Fleming and Kate Adie note the air campaign used precision munitions widely and crippled Iraq's military infrastructure.
- Yet six weeks later, Saddam's forces still held Kuwait, prompting the ground offensive to expel them.
Reporter Positioning In Fast Advances
- Reporters positioned themselves to get as far forward as possible to document the advance and learn military movements.
- They relied on briefings and limited public information, highlighting journalism challenges in fast-moving operations.
Night Advance Through The Berm
- Kate Adie describes following thousands of vehicles through the dark toward the berm and going through gaps with tanks alongside her.
- She realised they were further forward than planned when she went through a gap next to an M1 Abrams tank and heard Challenger tanks firing.