@environmentalhistory: As Iraqi forces withdrew from Kuwait in early 1991, more than 600 oil wells were intentionally ignited, sending massive plumes of smoke across the region. Some fires burned for months, fueled by oil-filled trenches and lakes, damaging over 750 wells and releasing millions of barrels of oil and gas. The fires also created dense smoke screens that interfered with satellite imaging and aerial visibility. Engineers had released oil into low-lying areas to slow down advancing troops, further intensifying the environmental impact. At the time, there were fears that the smoke was carrying chemical agents, but later analysis suggested this was unlikely — the extreme heat would have neutralized most compounds, and no clear effects were reported in frontline personnel. The environmental damage was severe. Soot blanketed large areas of southern Kuwait, especially near the Burgan oilfields. Dozens of temporary oil lakes formed, and dangerous gases were released into the air. Smoke plumes reached hundreds of miles, and oil slicks spread into the Persian Gulf. Years later, large areas remain inaccessible due to soil contamination and leftover war debris. The cleanup process is still ongoing. Archival footage from Journeyman Footage. #kuwait #oilspill #environmentalhistory #burning #historytok

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Saturday 11 October 2025 01:50:04 GMT