Retired US General Norman Schwarzkopf, who led troops in the 1991 Gulf War, has died aged 78, US media report.

Gen Schwarzkopf - known as Stormin' Norman - was commander of coalition forces in the first Gulf War in 1990-91.

The US-led coalition drove Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait.

Former US President George H W Bush described Gen Schwarzkopf as "one of the great military leaders of his generation".

Gen Schwarzkopf spent his retirement in Tampa, Florida, where he had served in his last military assignment as commander-in-chief of US Central Command.

The BBC's Ben Wright in Washington said his military success made him one of America's most famous modern generals although some criticised him for negotiating ceasefire terms which allowed Saddam Hussein to remain in power.

On reflection, Bush might have been right, even inadvertently

But don't forget that he drained the marshes after the war if I remember right. Bush stopped the advance for fear of losing the arab coalition, as they had not signed up to regime change. I also think the slaughter on the road out of Kuwait also changed public opinion.

I'm sure pressure was brought to bear no matter what, I'm talking about today's hindsight