During operation desert storm, a relatively small amphibious force consisting of 17,000 embarked marines was able to make the iraqis commit a force of approximately soldiers to defend against invasion.

The answer is 80,000

The Iraqis had a muster a force of 80,000 soldiers to defend against 17,000 United States marines during Operation Desert Storm.

The operation occurred as part of the wider First Gulf War in 1990/91

The war was a decisive victory for the United States and it's Allies with Kuwait liberated within a few days.