Which operation was launched in response to the invasion of Kuwait in 1990-91?

The operation that was launched in response to the invasion of Kuwait in 1990-91 is known as Operation Desert Shield. This operation began in August 1990 and involved the deployment of U.S. and coalition forces to Saudi Arabia as a defensive response to Iraq’s aggression against Kuwait. The primary goal of Operation Desert Shield was to protect Saudi Arabia and deter further Iraqi advances.

As the operation progressed, it set the stage for Operation Desert Storm, which was the offensive phase that commenced in January 1991 with the goal of liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. The distinction between these two operations is important; Desert Shield focused on the buildup and defensive posture, while Desert Storm was about taking decisive military action to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.

Understanding this context helps clarify why Operation Desert Shield is the correct answer, as it directly addressed the initial crisis stemming from Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.