Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn Fast Facts

CNN Editorial Research

Updated 1617 GMT (0017 HKT) February 24, 2021

A U.S. Army 3rd Division 3-7 Infantry Specialist John Earle from Weymouth, Massachusetts, mans a frontline position with his platoon March 29, 2003 near the Iraqi city of Karbala. The 3rd Infantry Division's push northward toward Baghdad has been delayed 4-6 days due to foul weather and guerilla raids that have taken a toll on the flow of supply lines to frontline troops.
A U.S. Army 3rd Division 3-7 Infantry Specialist John Earle from Weymouth, Massachusetts, mans a frontline position with his platoon March 29, 2003 near the Iraqi city of Karbala. The 3rd Infantry Division's push northward toward Baghdad has been delayed 4-6 days due to foul weather and guerilla raids that have taken a toll on the flow of supply lines to frontline troops.

(CNN)Here's a look at the Iraq War which was known as Operation Iraqi Freedom until September 2010, when it was renamed Operation New Dawn. In December 2011, the last US troops in Iraq crossed the border into Kuwait, marking the end of the almost-nine year war.

Timeline

October 16, 2002 - US President George W. Bush signs a congressional resolution authorizing him to go to war to disarm Iraq if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein refuses to give up weapons of mass destruction in compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
    November 8, 2002 - The UN Security Council adopts Resolution 1441, giving Iraq a final chance to comply with its "disarmament obligations" and outlining strict new weapons inspections with the goal of completing the disarmament process. The resolution threatens "serious consequences" as a result of Iraq's "continued violations of its obligations."
      February 5, 2003 - US Secretary of State Colin Powell makes the case to the UN that Hussein poses an imminent threat.
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      February 14, 2003 - UN Chief Weapons Inspector Hans Blix reports to the UN Security Council that his team has found no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
      March 17, 2003 - Bush issues an ultimatum to Hussein and his family - leave Iraq within 48 hours or face military action.
      March 19, 2003 - Bush announces US and coalition forces have begun military action against Iraq.