|
Iraq attack begins; U.S. heads for Baghdad
by Alexis Dyer
National/World Co-Editor
AP PHOTO
|
On March 19, President Bush made the announcement that U.S. forces were in “the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq. “The announcement occurred at 10:15 p.m., about two hours after the deadline for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to give up power and evacuate the country.
The speech came after Bush’s third meeting of the day with his national security advisors. “Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly,” said Bush, “yet our purpose is sure. That the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.”
Bush also attempted to answer criticism that the United States acted largely without support from the global community by saying, according to The Washington Post that “more than 35 countries are giving crucial support.”
As the announcement was being made, bombs began exploding over Baghdad, catching Baghdad’s army by surprise. Three hours after the attack began Hussein appeared to make a speech of his own to the Iraqi people. “Iraq will be victorious and our nation and humanity will triumph,” said Hussein, according to The Washington Post, “Evil will be defeated.”
On March 24, the United States military suffered a setback when one of its own, Sgt. Asan Akbar, tossed four grenades into tents of commanders of the 1st brigade, killing Capt. Scott Seifert and Air Force Maj. Gregory Stone, and injuring 14 others. Akbar had a history of discipline problems, including a recent reprimand for insubordination.
Britain also mourned some of its own on the 24th when a Royal Air Force jet fighter was mistakenly shot down by American troops, killing two. The jet was returning to Kuwait from a mission in Iraq when it was hit by a U.S. Patriot missile. Friendly fire from Americans also reportedly killed a veteran British television newsman.
These accidents came on a day of remembrance services for Royal Marines and Navy personnel killed in earlier accidents. Among the honored were eight marines killed when a U.S. CH-46 Sea Knight crashed on the Iraqi border. Four U.S. marines also killed in the accident were also included. Finally, six British navy men, along with one American killed in a collision between two British Sea King helicopters were also eulogized.
Of the tragedies, Charles Heyman, editor of Jane’s World Armies, said, “From an operational analysis point of view, you count the number of troops involved, and, like an insurance actuary, you can work out how many are going to die in accidents, based upon past experience. I’m afraid this is only a fraction of the number to come.”
By the 24th U.S. troops were also pushing toward Baghdad, coming within 50 miles. U.S. planes also bombed heavily to weaken Iraqi defenses. An unexpectedly powerful small-arms fire attack by the Iraqis set Army helicopters back, however.
Iraqi soldiers used guerilla tactics to stop the U.S. helicopters, hiding in residential areas and firing anti-aircraft guns, rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 assault rifles. A two-man Apache helicopter was shot down, and the crew was captured by Iraqi troops. They brought the number of captured American troops, being referred to by the Iraqis as prisoners of war, to at least seven.
On the 26th members of Iraq’s elite Republican Guard had moved south from Baghdad and were attempting to challenge U.S. Army and Marine invaders before they had amassed a large enough group to attack the capital.
This and other setbacks have led top U.S. military officials to believe that the war in Iraq is likely to continue for considerably longer than expected. Other factors include bad weather, and insecure supply lines.
Of the possible delays, Secretary of State Colin Powell said, according to The Washington Post, the war “may take a bit longer, don’t know how long. All we know is we have a good battle plan, and it’s a battle plan that will succeed.”
|
