When 700 Oil Wells Burned For 8 Months: Israel's Strike Compared To Saddam Hussein's Inferno

Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 18:17 IST

In case the Israel-Iran conflict targets oil facilities, the global economy could suffer deeply. India, which imports 85% of its oil, would be vulnerable to supply shocks

The first of these fires was put out in early April 1991, with the last one extinguished on November 6, 1991. (Representative/AP)

After months of planning, Israel has launched a targeted strike on Iran, reportedly causing significant damage to its nuclear infrastructure. In a fresh warning, Israeli authorities have urged residents living near Iran’s atomic reactor to evacuate, fuelling fears of a larger conflict in the region.

In the midst of escalating tensions, Israel has targeted Iran’s massive gas field, following a previous strike on an oil depot. These aggressive actions by Israel have drawn comparisons to the tactics of former Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein. When Saddam’s forces retreated from Kuwait, they set ablaze over 700 oil wells, which took months to extinguish.

The incident occurred 34 years ago during the Gulf War in January-February 1991. As Iraqi soldiers withdrew from Kuwait, they ignited Kuwaiti oil wells, burning approximately 605-732 of them. The first of these fires was put out in early April 1991, with the last one extinguished on November 6, 1991, resulting in around eight months of persistent fires.

The war began when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, leading to a US-led coalition driving out Iraqi forces under Operation Desert Storm. While retreating, the Iraqi army destroyed Kuwait’s oil fields, causing millions of barrels of crude oil to burn daily and casting toxic smoke clouds into the sky. International teams worked for over eight months to extinguish the fires.

According to estimates, 4–6 million barrels of crude oil and 70–100 million cubic meters of natural gas were burning each day. Around 11 million barrels of oil were spilled into the Gulf. Smoke from the fires spread 800 miles across the West Asian sky, creating hazardous conditions.

According to reports, oil production returned to pre-war levels within 12 months. The 1991 Kuwaiti oil well fire remains one of the most horrific examples of human cruelty and environmental destruction in history. The blaze endangered dozens of villages and continued for months after the war, prompting global support efforts. The incident still stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war.

The 1991 oil well fire not only damaged Kuwait’s economy but also disrupted global oil supplies. According to environmentalists, the incident released millions of tons of carbon dioxide and other toxic gases into the atmosphere, impacting the regional climate. Marine life was severely affected by the oil spill, which caused extensive ecological damage to the Persian Gulf.

If an Israel-Iran war results in attacks on oil facilities, the consequences for the global economy could be even more severe. India— which imports 85% of its oil needs—would be particularly vulnerable. Inflation in India could also rise if oil supplies from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE are disrupted.

Location :

Kuwait

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