Operation Southern Watch (Iraq)

Following the surrender of Iraq to Coalition Forces on 28 February 1991, no-fly zones were established to prevent any remnants of the Iraqi Armed Forces from persecuting the Kurdish and Shia populations. Two zones were created; the Northern Zone to protect the Kurds, and the Southern to protect the Shia's. In addition to providing protection to these two minority groups, the no-fly zones covered the main ground and air supply routes into Iraq allowing for the interdiction of goods and materiel that were embargoed by U.N. sanctions.