U.S. led coalition forces have launched a limited, surgical attack on Iraq, targeting Iraqi leaders near Baghdad. President Bush says its the opening salvo of an operation to disarm Iraq and free its people.
Less than two hours after a deadline expired for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq, the sound of air raid sirens was heard in Baghdad.
A short time later, President Bush addressed the American public. He said American led forces attacked a "target of opportunity," in the first stages of a broad campaign.
"This will not be a campaign of half measures. And we will accept no outcome but victory," he said.
He said that victory may take time, and there will be sacrifices involved. But, he said America must act.
"We have no ambition in Iraq except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people," he said.
Mr. Bush spoke directly to U.S. troops involved in the military action. He said the peace of a troubled world and an oppressed people now depends on them.
