Operation Iraqi Freedom was a military operation carried out by the United States and its allies in 2003. It aimed to remove Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein from power and eliminate any alleged weapons of mass destruction possessed by Iraq. The operation marked the beginning of the Iraq War.

Key Points:
- Purpose: The main objective of Operation Iraqi Freedom was to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime, which was believed to pose a threat to regional stability and possess weapons of mass destruction.
- Coalition: The operation involved a coalition of countries, with the United States being the primary contributor of troops and resources. Other major contributors included the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland.
- Timeline: Operation Iraqi Freedom began on March 20, 2003, with a massive aerial bombardment of Baghdad and other key Iraqi cities. The ground invasion followed shortly after, leading to the eventual capture of Baghdad on April 9, 2003.
- Controversy: The operation faced significant controversy, especially regarding the intelligence used to justify the invasion. No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq, leading to criticism of the decision to go to war.
- Outcome: Saddam Hussein was captured by coalition forces in December 2003 and later executed. The operation also led to the establishment of a new Iraqi government and the eventual withdrawal of US troops from Iraq in 2011.
Overall, Operation Iraqi Freedom was a significant military operation that had far-reaching consequences for Iraq and the broader Middle East region.