In June 1961, President Abd al-Karim Qasim of Iraq announced that Kuwait would be annexed by Iraq; the Emir of Kuwait requested assistance from the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. The UK activated Operation "Vantage" and immediately sent "Victorious" and accompanying vessels. landed a company of 42 Commando, Royal Marines at Kuwait airport. "Centaur" arrived from Malta in July to relieve "Victorious" on patrol in the Gulf. Iraq recognised Kuwaiti sovereignty in 1963, after Kassim had been killed in a coup.