Operation Iraqi Freedom began on 20 March 2003. The Coalition forces launched an attack against 'targets of military importance'. In a televised address George Bush described the action as an operation '… to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to free the world from grave danger'. US ground forces moved in from the south to secure the main port at Umm Qasr and Iraq's second biggest city Basra. In both cities the Coalition forces were faced with much resistance and the initial belief of a quick campaign to 'Shock and Awe' by scaring the enemy to death was over optimistic.

Three weeks into the campaign, the Coalition troops have moved into Baghdad and despite some initial difficulties, have secured supply lines. Capturing the port of Umm Qasr has allowed humanitarian aid to enter in large quantities into Iraq. UK troops have control of Basra. Kirkuk is in the hands of US-backed Kurdish fighters.