A military necessity or a war crime? The Highway of Death.
In short: As the 1991 Gulf War reached its conclusion, Iraqi troops fleeing on Highway 80 were struck by coalition planes. This video examines the devastating events and the enduring controversy over whether the strike was a justified tactical move or a violation of international law.
The 'Highway of Death' refers to the intense aerial bombardment of Iraqi military vehicles and personnel fleeing the battlefield in early 1991. The footage captured during this period became some of the most recognizable imagery of the conflict, sparking immediate global debate.
Historians and legal scholars continue to weigh two opposing perspectives: one viewing the action as a legitimate strike against retreating enemy combatants, and the other condemning it as a war crime against non-combatants. The video explores these conflicting arguments to provide context on how such actions are interpreted in modern warfare.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What Really Happened on the Highway of Death
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