Operation Iraqi Freedom was launched on 19 March 2003. This military operation was conducted by the United States, along with a coalition of other countries, with the objective of removing Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq.

Background:
- After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the U.S. government shifted its focus towards combating terrorism and perceived threats from rogue states.
- Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, was seen as a potential threat due to its alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and its support for terrorism.

Reasons for the War:
- The primary reason cited by the U.S. government for the invasion was the belief that Iraq possessed WMDs, which posed a threat to regional and global security. However, no substantial evidence of these weapons was found after the invasion.
- Other reasons included the desire to remove Saddam Hussein from power, promote democracy in the region, and establish a stable and secure Iraq.

Coalition and Military Strategy:
- The United States formed a coalition of countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland, to participate in the military operation.
- The military strategy involved a combination of airstrikes, ground offensives, and special operations to weaken the Iraqi regime and overthrow Saddam Hussein.
- The initial phase of the operation, known as Shock and Awe, aimed at disabling Iraq's military capabilities and infrastructure through intensive bombings.

Progress of the Operation:
- The initial invasion was swift, with U.S. and coalition forces rapidly advancing towards Baghdad.
- The major cities of Iraq, including Baghdad, Tikrit, and Mosul, were eventually captured by coalition forces.
- However, the military operation faced significant challenges in the form of insurgency and sectarian violence, which intensified after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime.

End of Operation Iraqi Freedom:
- Operation Iraqi Freedom officially ended on 1 May 2003 when President George W. Bush declared major combat operations over. However, the U.S. military presence in Iraq continued in the subsequent years.
- The subsequent years saw a protracted and difficult process of stabilization and reconstruction in Iraq, as the country grappled with insurgency, sectarian conflict, and political instability.

Legacy:
- Operation Iraqi Freedom remains a highly controversial military intervention, with critics arguing that it was based on flawed intelligence and resulted in significant human and economic costs.
- The aftermath of the war saw the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS and a destabilized region.
- The war also strained international relations and raised questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of military interventions.