March 2003
Anti-government insurgents in eastern Afghanistan fired several rockets and mortars at U.S. military positions - 2003-03-31
Anti-government insurgents in eastern Afghanistan launched rockets and mortars at U.S. military positions, prompting a U.S. counterattack that killed at least two insurgents. No injuries…
American and British Aircraft Covered the Sky of Baghdad with a Wave of Intense Bombings - 2003-03-30
American and British forces intensified bombings in Baghdad after a suicide attack killed four American soldiers. In response, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein honored the bomber,…
American Special Forces Continue Search and Pursuit of Taliban Remnants - 2003-03-30
American Special Forces, alongside local forces in Kandahar, are actively pursuing Taliban remnants following a recent ambush that resulted in American casualties. The operation has…
Death of Two American Soldiers in Afghanistan - 2003-03-30
Two American special forces soldiers were killed and one wounded in a surprise attack by suspected Taliban members in Afghanistan. This incident follows recent military…
A Suicide Bombing in Central Iraq Kills Four American Soldiers - 2003-03-29
A suicide bombing in Iraq killed four American soldiers, marking the first such attack in the Iraq War. Iraqi officials praised the act, indicating a…
Two Special Forces Soldiers Killed in Taliban Ambush in Afghanistan - 2003-03-29
Two U.S. Special Forces soldiers were killed and one wounded in a Taliban ambush in Helmand province, Afghanistan. This incident highlights ongoing tensions as U.S.…
Iraqi Missile Strikes Kuwait - 2003-03-29
An Iraqi missile struck near a shopping center in Kuwait, injuring two and damaging property. This incident marks the first missile strike on Kuwait since…
Battle Between American and Afghan Forces and Taliban Fugitives in Sang-e Sak - 2003-03-29
American and Afghan forces engaged in combat with Taliban fugitives in Sang-e Sak, resulting in the deaths of two special forces soldiers and the capture…
President Bush: Currently, a small part of Iraq is under Saddam Hussein's control - 2003-03-29
President Bush announced that U.S.-led coalition forces are close to Baghdad and that Saddam Hussein controls only a small part of Iraq. He emphasized the…
Following the Withdrawal of Iraqi Soldiers from the Oil-rich City of Kirkuk, Kurdish Armed Forces Headed Towards the City - 2003-03-29
Kurdish armed forces are moving towards Kirkuk after Iraqi soldiers withdrew from the oil-rich city. Coalition forces bombarded Baghdad, resulting in significant casualties. The situation…
Turkey Temporarily Closes Its Airspace to U.S. Missiles - 2003-03-28
Turkey has temporarily restricted its airspace to U.S. missiles after a Tomahawk missile crashed on its territory. This decision comes amid ongoing military operations related…
US and British Warplanes Intensify Bombing of Baghdad - March 28, 2003
On March 28, 2003, US and British warplanes intensified their bombing of Baghdad as coalition ground forces prepared to enter the city. Iraq reported civilian…
Operation 'Desert Lion' Begins in the Northeastern Mountains of Kabul - 2003-03-28
The U.S.-led coalition has initiated 'Operation Desert Lion' to target Taliban and Al-Qaeda remnants in northeastern Kabul, following previous operations in Kandahar. The military actions…
Change in Iraqi Forces' Tactics Since Defeat in the 1991 Gulf War
Iraqi forces have adapted their tactics since the 1991 Gulf War defeat, shifting to guerrilla warfare and attrition strategies. This change has led to some…
Coalition Forces Intensify Attacks as Weather Improves - 2003-03-27
U.S.-led coalition forces are resuming their advance towards Baghdad after a sandstorm delay, with significant battles ongoing in several cities. Iraqi Defense Minister Sultan Hashim…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: NATO and the Issue of Turkish Military Advance into Northern Iraq - 2003-03-27
Javier Solana emphasized NATO's responsibility regarding Turkey's military actions in northern Iraq. This statement highlights the international implications of Turkey's military movements in the region.…
Limited Uprisings Against the Baghdad Regime in Basra - 2003-03-26
Limited uprisings against the Baghdad regime have erupted in Basra, with coalition forces attacking an Iraqi military column. The British military is involved, and local…
Coalition Forces in Iraq Will Attempt to Break Iraqi Militia Resistance Before Ground Attack on Baghdad - 2003-03-26
Coalition forces are working to dismantle Iraqi militia resistance before a ground assault on Baghdad. The militias have been attacking coalition forces since the invasion…
Coalition Forces' Efforts to Prevent Chemical Attack on Kurds - 2003-03-26
U.S. and British forces are advancing towards Baghdad while the U.S. military is working to protect coalition forces and Iraqi Kurds from a potential chemical…
US Forces Defeat Three Hundred Iraqi Soldiers in Intense Ground Battle - 2003-03-26
US forces engaged in a fierce battle near Najaf, killing three hundred Iraqi soldiers without suffering losses themselves. This battle coincided with reports of a…
Saddam Hussein Recorded a Series of Messages Before the War - 2003-03-25
Before the war, Saddam Hussein recorded several messages to rally Iraqi forces against American and British troops. British Defense Minister Jeffrey Hoon confirmed these messages…
Intent of Iraqi Commanders to Use Chemical Weapons Against Shiites in Iraq - 2003-03-25
Colin Powell warns that Iraqi commanders plan to use chemical weapons against Shiite populations in southern Iraq, potentially blaming U.S. forces for the attacks. This…
President Bush's Special Envoy Denies Agreement with Turkey - 2003-03-25
Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. envoy, denies any agreement allowing Turkish forces into northern Iraq, emphasizing U.S. opposition to unilateral actions. President Bush has warned Turkey…
Polish Special Forces Participated in U.S. Military Operations in Umm Qasr
Polish special forces participated in U.S. military operations in Umm Qasr, Iraq, with no reported casualties. Poland, a NATO member, is contributing additional non-combat troops…
Arrest of an American Soldier for Launching a Missile at a Soldiers' Camp in Kuwait - 2003-03-24
An American soldier was arrested for launching a missile that killed another soldier and injured 15 others at a military camp in Kuwait. The U.S.…
South Korean President Rejects Claims That North Korea May Be Next Target of U.S. Military Operations
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has rejected claims that North Korea could be the next target of U.S. military action, asserting that the nuclear ambitions…
Coalition Forces Reach 160 Kilometers from Baghdad - 2003-03-23
Coalition forces have advanced to within 160 kilometers of Baghdad but encountered Iraqi resistance in several areas. Airstrikes on Baghdad have intensified, and humanitarian needs…
Expression of Regret Over the Downing of British Aircraft by American Missile - 2003-03-23
A British warplane was accidentally shot down by an American missile, prompting expressions of regret from UK officials. The incident raises concerns about friendly fire…
Bush: U.S. and British Forces Are Achieving Their Goals in Iraq Calmly but Confidently - 2003-03-23
President Bush announced that coalition forces have largely taken control of southern Iraq and are making progress towards Baghdad despite ongoing resistance from Iraqi forces.…
Turkish Military Officials Deny Deployment of Troops in Northern Iraq
Turkish military officials have denied media reports of troop deployment in northern Iraq, stating they have not entered Kurdish-controlled areas. Germany has warned Turkey against…
Q&A with Amir Taheri on the Iraq War
Amir Taheri discusses the Iraq War's impact on neighboring countries, especially Iran, during a lecture series in the U.S. He warns that Iran faces similar…
American Soldier Attacks Commanders' Tent with Grenade in Kuwait - 2003-03-23
An American soldier launched a grenade attack on a military camp in Kuwait, killing one soldier and injuring fifteen others. The attack is believed to…
President Bush's Weekly Radio Address on the Reconstruction of Iraq - 2003-03-22
President Bush addressed the challenges of disarming Saddam Hussein and the reconstruction of Iraq, indicating that the process may take longer than expected. He reassured…
Turkish Military Officials Deny Deployment of Special Forces in Kurdish Regions of Iraq - 2003-03-22
Turkish military officials have refuted claims of deploying special forces in northern Iraq's Kurdish regions, despite media reports suggesting otherwise. Germany has warned Turkey against…
Contact Between American Military and Intelligence Officials with Iraqi Military Commanders - 2003-03-22
U.S. military and intelligence officials have reached out to Iraqi commanders to offer safe havens for defectors from Saddam Hussein's regime. Some Iraqi leaders have…
U.S. Military Supplies Will Not Pass Through Turkey - 2003-03-22
U.S. military supplies will be rerouted through the Suez Canal instead of Turkey, ending efforts to deploy troops from Turkish bases. Over 20 cargo ships…
Southern Afghanistan: Scene of One of the Largest Intelligence Operations to Find Remnants of the Overthrown Taliban Government and Al-Qaeda Network - 2003-03-22
U.S. forces are conducting a major intelligence operation in southern Afghanistan to locate remnants of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, resulting in the arrest of at…
U.S. Missile Strikes Against Saddam Hussein - March 21, 2003
On March 21, 2003, the U.S. initiated missile strikes against Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Concurrently, there were significant internal conflicts in Iran regarding budgetary issues…
The Largest Intelligence Operation in Southern Afghanistan - 2003-03-21
A significant intelligence operation is underway in southern Afghanistan to find remnants of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, involving around 1,000 U.S. soldiers. The operation is…
The Attack on Iraq Has Begun - 2003-03-20
The U.S. military operation against Iraq commenced with airstrikes aimed at dismantling Saddam Hussein's leadership. President Bush emphasized the involvement of over 35 allied nations…
Shortly After the Start of U.S. Military Attacks on Iraq, Iran Closed Its Border with Iraq - 2003-03-20
Iran closed its border with Iraq shortly after the U.S. began military operations against Saddam Hussein's regime. Ahmad Hosseini, a senior Iranian official, indicated that…
Valiant Strike Operation in Afghanistan - 2003-03-20
The U.S. military launched Operation Valiant Strike in southern Afghanistan to target Al-Qaeda remnants, focusing on the Maruf area near the Pakistan border. The operation…
Turkish Parliament Approves Bill for U.S. and U.K. Aircraft Use of Its Airspace
The Turkish Parliament has approved a bill allowing U.S. and U.K. military aircraft to use its airspace for operations in Iraq, while denying coalition forces…
The Deadline Set by President Bush for Saddam Hussein Has Expired - 2003-03-20
The deadline set by President Bush for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq has passed without any action from him, while U.S. and British forces are…
Allied Warplanes Dropped Two Million Leaflets Over Iraq Yesterday - 2003-03-20
Allied warplanes dropped two million leaflets over Iraq, advising Iraqi soldiers on how to surrender safely during military operations. The U.S. Central Command aims to…
Bombing of Iraqi Radars at the Jordan Border - 2003-03-15
On March 15, 2003, a U.S. B-1 bomber attacked Iraqi radar sites near the Jordan border. This military action coincided with the movement of U.S.…
On Saturday, thousands in European cities protested against President Bush's policy towards Iraq - 2003-03-09
On March 9, 2003, thousands protested across Europe and in Washington against President Bush's Iraq policy. Demonstrators called for peaceful resolutions to the crisis, while…
The Aim of North Korean Fighter Jets Surrounding a U.S. Spy Plane Was to Take Its Crew Hostage
North Korean fighter jets attempted to force a U.S. spy plane to land and take its crew hostage. A senior U.S. military official revealed that…
Seven Men Detained During Search Operation for Osama Bin Laden on Afghanistan-Pakistan Border - 2003-03-08
Seven men were detained by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan during a search for Osama Bin Laden, suspected of planning attacks against coalition forces. The operation…
One of the commanders of the Palestinian guerrilla group Hamas killed in Israeli helicopter gunship attack
Ibrahim al-Maqadma, a commander of Hamas, was killed by an Israeli helicopter gunship in Gaza, prompting Hamas to vow retaliation. This incident follows a series…
Israeli Soldiers Kill Three Armed Palestinians - 2003-03-07
Israeli soldiers killed three armed Palestinians who were attacking a Jewish settlement in Gaza amidst ongoing military operations in the region. This incident follows a…
Clashes in Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza Leave at Least 11 Dead
An Israeli military operation in the Jabalia refugee camp resulted in at least 11 Palestinian deaths and 100 injuries, occurring shortly after a suicide bombing…
Israeli Helicopters Open Fire in Gaza Strip - 2003-03-06
Israeli helicopters opened fire in Gaza shortly after a suicide bombing in Haifa killed 15. Israel blames the Palestinian Authority for the attack, while Hamas…
North Korean Fighter Jets Intercept U.S. Spy Plane - 2003-03-04
North Korean fighter jets intercepted a U.S. spy plane in international airspace over the Sea of Japan, which U.S. officials labeled a hostile act. Despite…
Russia Considers Iraq's Destruction of Al-Samoud Missiles as a Sign of Cooperation with UN Inspectors
Russia views Iraq's destruction of Al-Samoud missiles as a positive sign of cooperation with UN inspectors. This statement comes from Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov,…
Israeli Tanks Invade Al-Bureij Refugee Camp
Israeli tanks invaded the Al-Bureij refugee camp in Gaza following a promise from the Israeli Defense Minister to increase military operations against Palestinian militants. This…
Turkish Prime Minister: Refusal to Allow U.S. Military Deployment Will Not Harm Bilateral Friendship
Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul reassured that the parliament's rejection of U.S. military deployment won't damage U.S.-Turkey relations. The vote showed a narrow opposition, and…
Palestinians Fired Rockets Towards Israeli Settlement Sderot
Palestinians launched rockets at the Israeli settlement of Sderot in response to an Israeli military operation that killed eight Palestinians. Hamas has vowed retaliation for…
North Korean Media Warns of Nuclear War
North Korean media has issued a warning about the potential for nuclear war if the U.S. attacks. The article highlights increased military readiness by U.S.…
Turkish Parliament Approves Deployment of American Forces - 2003-03-01
The Turkish Parliament has approved the deployment of American forces in Turkey for a potential war against Iraq. This decision allows the U.S. to use…