Operation Iraqi Freedom Day 2024 (US): Annually, Operation Iraqi Freedom Day takes place on March 19. It occurs on the anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the day in 2003 that commenced the war on Iraq, a joint effort between the United States and coalition forces led predominantly by the United Kingdom. The conflict is alternatively referred to as the Second Persian Gulf War.
To dismantle Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and topple Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship, the United States invaded Iraq. The opposition to the coalition forces and the Iraqi government that followed the invasion gave rise to an insurgency, which prolonged the conflict for a significant portion of the subsequent decade.
Operation Iraqi Freedom Day History
The United States declared war on Iraq in March 2003. Hostilities erupted in response to Saddam Hussein’s refusal to vacate Iraq. While the Iraqi president was meeting with senior staff, U.S. aircraft dropped multiple bombs on a bunker complex. Following a succession of airstrikes, the United States forces invaded Iraq within days.
This conflict resulted from the George W. Bush administration’s War on Terror, which it launched in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Hussein promptly sought refuge following the American invasion, relegating communication with his people to audio recordings. The coalition forces overthrew his regime and captured the major cities of Iraq in less than three weeks. In May of that year, President Bush declared the conclusion of significant combat operations.
This marked the commencement of a dual-stage conflict. The second lasted longer and was characterized by resistance to a U.S.-led occupation of Iraq. The conflict resulted in the deaths of no less than 155,000 individuals and the forced relocation of over 3.3 million people within the nation. U.S. troops found Saddam Hussein hiding in Tikrit in 2005 after a protracted manhunt two years later. Following his detention, the trial commenced.
Power was transferred to the Iraqi Interim Government in June 2004, and the Iraqi people elected a 275-member Iraqi National Assembly in January 2005. A ratified constitution for the nation occurred in October. The absence of weapons of mass destruction was confirmed, and the United States officially terminated the conflict in 2011, which was approximately a decade and a half after hostilities commenced.
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FAQs regarding Operation Iraqi Freedom Day
What exactly did Operation Iraqi Freedom aim to accomplish?
Saddam Hussein’s removal from power and restriction of his access to nuclear weapons were the goals of this coalition, which the United States led.
Is the ongoing Operation Iraqi Freedom ongoing?
Following the conclusion of Operation Enduring Freedom on December 31, 2014, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel commenced on January 1, 2015.
On what dates does Operation Iraqi Freedom occur?
From March 20, 2003, to December 15, 2011.
Operation Iraqi Freedom Day 2024 (US) Activities
Observe a museum
Visit a museum throughout the day to gain a deeper understanding of this era in American history. Develop an understanding of the legacies of those who fought for justice and liberty.
Organize a film night
Gather your companions for an evening of viewing films that center on the historical aspects of the conflict. You are certain to be spoiled for choice.
Contribute to social media
Online, initiate a conversation. Facilitate the dissemination of information regarding this day and its significance.
Five fascinating details regarding Operation Iraqi Freedom
Under the command of General Tommy Franks, it operated.
At the helm of the American forces stood General Tommy Franks.
Ayad Allawi served as the early prime minister.
Ayad Allawi, the inaugural prime minister of the nascent Iraqi government, resigned after one year in power.
It underwent a name change.
In September 2010, Operation Iraqi Freedom was renamed Operation New Dawn.
The precise number of deceased remains unknown.
There are multiple estimations; one, which was published in late 2006, projected the total to exceed 650,000; however, numerous other estimates place the figure between 40,000 and 50,000.
Contradictory reactions greeted the conflict.
Although there were some antiwar demonstrations in American cities, numerous opinion polls indicated that the public was in favor of military intervention in Iraq both before and throughout the conflict. Furthermore, as the war progressed, an increasing number of Americans began to oppose it.
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 19 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | March 19 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 19 | Thursday |
| 2027 | March 19 | Friday |
| 2028 | March 19 | Sunday |
