 This day in Army history, April 7th, 1991, Operation Provide Comfort began in Iraq. Following his defeat in Desert Storm, Saddam Hussein's government created a humanitarian crisis in Northern Iraq by initiating a brutal campaign of vengeance to crush the rebellious Kurds. After the United Nations called on Iraq to cease the repression, U.S. forces and their allies began Operation Provide Comfort. U.S. Army ground troops commanded by Army Lieutenant General John Shallakashvili deployed into Northern Iraq to establish a safe environment for the Kurds and provide them humanitarian assistance. The initial objectives of Operation Provide Comfort were accomplished in 58 days. Phase two began in mid-July of 1991 and lasted until December of 96. For more information about the Army's proud history, go to history.army.mil