On this day twenty years ago, the world witnessed one of the most controversial and devastating events in modern history – the US-led ground invasion of Iraq. The invasion was launched on March 20, 2003, and it quickly became a symbol of death and destruction in the country.
The war had a profound impact on Iraq and the wider Middle East region. It resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 Iraqi civilians and 4,500 US soldiers. The cost of the war was astronomical, with estimates ranging from $1.7 trillion to $2.4 trillion.
The invasion was justified by the US government as a response to Iraq’s alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and its links to terrorist organizations. However, these claims were later proven to be false, and the war was widely criticized for being based on false pretenses.
The aftermath of the invasion was chaotic, with Iraq descending into a state of instability and violence. The country was plagued by sectarian tensions, insurgency, and terrorism, leading to further loss of life and destruction.
Here are some of the most iconic images from the war and the occupation that followed:
1. The Statue of Saddam Hussein Toppled
One of the most iconic images from the war was the toppling of the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad’s Firdos Square. The statue was seen as a symbol of Saddam’s regime, and its fall was celebrated by many as a sign of liberation.
2. Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal
The Abu Ghraib prison scandal was a shocking revelation of the abuse and torture of Iraqi prisoners by US soldiers. The scandal sparked international outrage and led to calls for accountability and justice.
3. Fallujah Siege
The siege of Fallujah was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with US forces facing fierce resistance from insurgents. The battle resulted in significant damage to the city and a high number of civilian casualties.
4. Shock and Awe Bombing Campaign
The Shock and Awe bombing campaign was a massive display of military force aimed at intimidating Iraq’s leadership and weakening its military capabilities. The campaign involved the use of precision-guided bombs and missiles, resulting in significant damage to Iraq’s infrastructure.
5. Blackwater Contractors Killed in Fallujah
The killing of four Blackwater contractors in Fallujah in 2004 was a turning point in the war, leading to a significant escalation in violence and tension between US forces and Iraqi insurgents.
6. Saddam Hussein’s Capture
The capture of Saddam Hussein in December 2003 was a major victory for US forces and a symbolic moment in the war. Saddam was found hiding in a hole near his hometown of Tikrit, bringing an end to his reign as Iraq’s dictator.
7. Green Zone Bombing
The Green Zone bombing in 2004 was a devastating attack on the heart of the US occupation in Iraq. The attack targeted a building inside the heavily fortified Green Zone, killing several people and causing significant damage.
In conclusion, the US-led invasion of Iraq twenty years ago had far-reaching consequences for Iraq and the wider Middle East region. It resulted in significant loss of life, destruction, and instability, with many questioning its legitimacy and effectiveness. The images from the war serve as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the need for peaceful solutions to global problems.