Iraq War
Today, March 19, 2003, marks the 21st anniversary of the start of the War in Iraq. After giving Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, 48 hours to leave Iraq on March 17, 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) commenced on March 19 2003. OIF’s mission was to remove Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, from power under suspicion that he was harboring weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) (violating UN Resolutions to permit appropriate inspection and disarmament), supporting terrorist organizations, and engaged in terrorist activities.
President Bush
In President Bush’s address to the Nation on March 19, 2003, he advised “coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war.” A swift three weeks later, Iraqi civilians and US soldiers would topple the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad. On May 1, 2003, President Bush would deliver his “Mission Accomplished” speech from the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln.
U.S Involvement
However, we were far from the end of the United State’s involvement in Iraq. Indeed, US engagement under Operation Iraqi Freedom would continue for another 8 years. OIF marked a significant chapter in the early 21st-century geopolitics. The military intervention by the United States and its allies in Iraq had profound and lasting effects, shaping the region's political landscape and stirring global debates. To attempt a succinct summary here of OIF would be almost negligent as events would necessarily be understated or excluded. Additionally, many complete histories exist on Operation Iraqi Freedom that better address the travesties and triumphs of the engagement.
Mission OIF
For purposes here, OIF would last until 2011. Following President Obama’s election in 2008, he immediately initiated work on a plan to end operations in Iraq and begin a drawdown of US Forces in Iraq. Drawdown began with the removal of combat brigades while maintaining a transitional force of approximately 35,000-50,000 service members to “train, equip, and advise Iraqi security forces until the end of 2011.” On December 18, 2011, the last US troops left Iraq. Operation Inherent Resolve, however, would begin a mere 3 years later and see US troops returning to Iraq.
Throughout Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the United States would deploy over 1.9 million service members. From the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003 through the fall of Saddam Hussein (April 2003), the US lost 139 service members, with over 500 wounded. However, since May 2003, more than 4,000 service members gave their lives during OIF, with over 31,000 wounded.
These numbers represent not only the tragic loss of individual lives but also the profound impact on families, communities, and the broader military community. Today, let us all reflect on these events and the service and sacrifice of our service members and veterans, and their families. Remember, if you, a loved one, friend, or neighbor served in the Gulf War – there are resources available, including health care. Additionally, if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, the Veterans Crisis Line is available to everyone, regardless of disability, discharge, or healthcare enrollment status. Just dial 988 and press 1.