What is the main purpose of the Operation Southern Watch established by President George H.W. Bush?

The main purpose of Operation Southern Watch, established by President George H.W. Bush, was to enforce a no-fly zone over southern Iraq. This operation aimed to protect the Shiite population from potential suppression and violence by the Iraqi regime following the Gulf War. By enforcing the no-fly zone, coalition forces sought to prevent the Iraqi military from using air power against its own citizens, thereby maintaining a level of protection for the people in that region.

This operation was significant as it demonstrated international commitment to uphold certain humanitarian principles following the conflict and aimed to limit the capabilities of the Iraqi government in conducting aerial operations that could harm civilians. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary intent behind Operation Southern Watch, as it did not focus on humanitarian assistance, airstrikes, or ground combat in the traditional sense. Instead, it was strictly about monitoring and controlling Iraqi air operations to ensure safety and compliance with the established no-fly zone.