April 2003
Nigerian Kidnappers Threaten Foreign Hostages - 2003-04-30
Nigerian oil strikers have taken 100 workers hostage, threatening violence if law enforcement intervenes. Negotiations are ongoing for the release of 35 British and 21…
Tony Blair: There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction - 2003-04-28
Tony Blair asserts that there is certainty regarding Saddam Hussein's possession of weapons of mass destruction and expresses confidence that coalition forces will uncover them.…
Russia's Agreement to Temporarily Lift Sanctions Imposed on Iraq - 2003-04-24
Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov announced potential support for temporarily lifting sanctions on Iraq to improve humanitarian conditions, although he did not confirm Russia's backing.…
Geoffrey Hoon: Saddam Hussein is Still in Iraq - 2003-04-23
British Defense Minister Geoffrey Hoon believes that Saddam Hussein is still in Iraq and urges coalition forces to remain open-minded about his whereabouts. This statement…
Ahmad Chalabi: Saddam Hussein is Alive and Moving Within Iraq
Ahmad Chalabi claims that Saddam Hussein is alive and moving within Iraq, having received late information about his whereabouts. Chalabi, a leader of the Iraqi…
Arrest of Hikmat Ibrahim al-Zuwayy, Minister of Finance of Saddam's Regime - 2003-04-19
Hikmat Ibrahim al-Zuwayy, Saddam Hussein's Minister of Finance, was arrested by Iraqi police and handed over to U.S. forces, potentially revealing hidden wealth. Additionally, a…
Pentagon Sends Team of Weapons Experts to Iraq to Search for Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2003-04-18
The Pentagon is dispatching a team of around one thousand experts to Iraq to search for weapons of mass destruction and investigate links between the…
Samir Al-Aziz Al-Najim, Fourth Senior Member of Saddam Hussein's Regime, Arrested - 2003-04-18
Samir Al-Aziz Al-Najim, a senior member of Saddam Hussein's regime, was arrested by U.S. forces in Iraq. His capture is significant as he may disclose…
Investigation into Two Reports Indicating the Existence of Mass Graves in Northern and Southern Iraq - 2003-04-18
U.S. Army officials are investigating reports of mass graves in Iraq, specifically in Basra and Kirkuk. The investigations follow guidance from local Iraqis and could…
Bombing Erased Iranian Revolutionaries' Bases from the Pages of History - April 17, 2003
British diplomats reported that coalition airstrikes destroyed the MEK camps in Iraq, marking a significant blow to the group, which is viewed as a terrorist…
Meeting of British and French Leaders on the Sidelines of the EU Summit in Athens
Tony Blair and Jacques Chirac met for the first time since the Iraq war began, discussing Iraq's situation and the role of the UN in…
Transfer of Ali Ismail Abbas, 12-Year-Old Injured Iraqi Boy, to Kuwait - 2003-04-16
Ali Ismail Abbas, a 12-year-old Iraqi boy, was severely injured in a missile attack in Baghdad and has been transferred to Kuwait for treatment. He…
A 32-Year-Old Woman Dies from SARS in Hong Kong - 2003-04-15
A 32-year-old woman has died from SARS in Hong Kong, marking the youngest death from the disease in the region. The total death toll in…
Under the Microscope: Warnings from American and British Officials, Conference of Iraqi Leaders in Nasiriyah - 2003-04-15
American and British officials are warning Syria and Iran about their precarious positions amid rising tensions. In Iraq, a conference of leaders is taking place…
Syria Again Denies Possession of Chemical Weapons and Protection of Senior Iraqi Officials - 2003-04-15
Syria has once again denied allegations of possessing chemical weapons and sheltering high-ranking Iraqi officials, claiming the accusations are part of a misleading campaign by…
End of Meeting Between Former Iraqi Opposition Members and American Officials in Nasiriyah - 2003-04-15
A meeting between former Iraqi opposition members and U.S. officials concluded with an agreement to establish a democratic Iraq, with a follow-up meeting planned in…
Washington Aware of Contacts Between Russian and Iraqi Intelligence - 2003-04-15
Washington is aware of intelligence exchanges between Russia and Iraq but seeks more information before making conclusions. U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow stated it is premature…
Iran Says It Will Arrest and Prosecute Any Members of Iraq's Leadership Trying to Flee to Its Territory
Iran has announced it will arrest and prosecute any members of Iraq's former leadership attempting to escape to Iran. This statement comes amidst U.S. military…
The United States Considers Possible Economic and Diplomatic Sanctions Against Syria - 2003-04-14
The U.S. is contemplating sanctions against Syria due to its actions during the Iraq war, particularly regarding chemical weapons and support for the ousted Iraqi…
Iraqi Police and American Soldiers Working to Restore Order in Baghdad - 2003-04-14
Iraqi police and American soldiers are collaborating to restore order in Baghdad after days of looting. Hundreds of police have returned to work to help…
Ahmad Chalabi Calls for Dissolution of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party - 2003-04-13
Ahmad Chalabi has called for the dissolution of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party, emphasizing a non-violent approach. He also urged former party members to return state…
Russia Expresses Concern Over Humanitarian Situation in Iraq - 2003-04-13
Russia has voiced concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, stating that the occupying forces are responsible for the needs of the Iraqi people. Additionally,…
Phone Conversation Between Chirac and Blair - April 13, 2003
French President Jacques Chirac and British Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed the outcome of a meeting between France, Germany, and Russia regarding the reconstruction of…
U.S. Forces Patrol Baghdad to Stop Looting - 2003-04-12
U.S. and British forces are patrolling Baghdad to restore order and stop looting while also moving to eliminate remaining resistance. Key developments include the occupation…
Looting and Plundering of the National Museum of Iraq - 2003-04-12
American and British forces are trying to establish order in Iraq while also combating resistance. The National Museum of Iraq has suffered significant looting, with…
British Peace Activist Shot and Seriously Injured by Israeli Soldiers in Gaza Strip - 2003-04-11
A British peace activist was shot and seriously injured by Israeli soldiers while visiting a refugee camp in Gaza. The incident highlights ongoing violence in…
Britain Plans to Reduce Its Air and Naval Forces in the Persian Gulf - 2003-04-11
Britain is reducing its military presence in the Persian Gulf as several operations have concluded. Defense Minister Jeff Hoon announced the withdrawal of naval ships…
Chirac: France Welcomes the Fall of a Dictatorial Regime Like All Democracies - 2003-04-10
French President Jacques Chirac praised the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, hoping for a quick restoration of sovereignty with UN support. German Chancellor…
British Police Arrest 24 Iraqi Opposition Members for Storming Iraqi Embassy in London - 2003-04-10
British police arrested 24 Iraqi opposition members who celebrated the fall of Saddam Hussein by storming the former Iraqi embassy in London. The police plan…
American Officials Still Do Not Know Where Saddam and His Sons Are - 2003-04-10
American officials are uncertain about the whereabouts of Saddam Hussein and his sons following a bombing in Baghdad. Conflicting intelligence reports suggest he may have…
France and Britain Agree on the UN's Central Role in Post-War Reconstruction of Iraq - 2003-04-09
France and Britain have reached an agreement on the importance of the UN's role in rebuilding Iraq after the war, mitigating previous tensions between the…
Iraqi Soldiers Concentrated Around Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's Birthplace - 2003-04-09
Iraqi soldiers are gathering in Tikrit as coalition forces work to dismantle Saddam Hussein's government capabilities. Reports suggest Saddam may have survived a targeted airstrike,…
Bush and Blair: The UN Should Play a Vital Role in Iraq's Reconstruction - 2003-04-09
President Bush and Prime Minister Blair emphasize the importance of the UN in Iraq's post-Saddam reconstruction. While there are indications that the US seeks a…
Request for Help from Local Cleric to Maintain Order in Basra - 2003-04-09
British forces in Basra have sought help from a local cleric to restore order as looting breaks out following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime.…
Approximately 250 Students Protest in Front of the British Embassy
Around 250 students protested outside the British Embassy, expressing anti-Western sentiments and targeting Saddam Hussein. This event follows a similar protest the previous day, highlighting…
President Bush and Tony Blair Emphasized That the Government of Iraq Should Be in the Hands of the Iraqi People - 2003-04-08
President Bush and Tony Blair announced that the Iraqi government should be established by the Iraqi people, with the UN playing a crucial role in…
British Forces Ask Local Tribal Leader to Establish a Civilian Local Government for Basra - 2003-04-08
British forces have captured Basra and requested a local tribal leader to form a civilian government to restore order. Residents are frustrated with water shortages…
Discussions on Iraq's Reconstruction After the War - 2003-04-08
President Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair are discussing Iraq's post-war reconstruction, with Blair advocating for a UN role while Bush insists on immediate coalition…
President Bush's Meeting and Discussion with Tony Blair in Northern Ireland - 2003-04-07
President Bush is meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair in Northern Ireland to discuss Iraq's reconstruction and peace efforts in the Middle East and Northern…
British Forces Find Body of Man Believed to be Saddam Hussein's Cousin
British forces discovered a body believed to be General Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein, in Basra. Al-Majid was notorious for his role…
International Red Cross Says Baghdad Hospitals Are Overflowing with War Injuries - 2003-04-07
The International Red Cross has reported that Baghdad hospitals are overwhelmed with war injuries and running low on anesthetics. U.S. forces have suffered casualties from…
Iraqi Leadership Has Lost Control Over Most of Baghdad and Other Cities - 2003-04-07
U.S. forces have advanced into Baghdad, capturing key government buildings and asserting control over the city, while Iraqi leadership denies their presence. In southern Iraq,…
Cheating in a TV Quiz Show
A British Army major and his wife were penalized for cheating on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' after the major received help from a…
Meeting Between President Bush and Tony Blair in Northern Ireland - 2003-04-07
President Bush and Prime Minister Blair met in Northern Ireland to discuss the Iraq war, the Middle East peace process, and the political situation in…
Tightening of the U.S. Military Siege Around Baghdad - 2003-04-07
U.S. military forces are tightening their siege around Baghdad, controlling all access roads. Gunfire erupted between Iraqi and American forces as U.S. troops entered Baghdad,…
American Journalist Dies While Reporting on Iraq War - 2003-04-06
David Bloom, an American journalist for NBC, died from a blood clot while reporting on the Iraq War. His death adds to the toll of…
American Forces Have Nearly Completed the Siege of Baghdad - 2003-04-06
U.S. forces are close to completing the siege of Baghdad, with heavy Iraqi casualties estimated at around two thousand. British forces are also advancing in…
A U.S. Military Transport Aircraft Has Landed at Baghdad International Airport - 2003-04-06
A U.S. military transport aircraft has landed at Baghdad International Airport, marking a significant moment following its capture. American forces are reported to have nearly…
Paul Wolfowitz: The Saddam Hussein Government Will Not Escape War
Paul Wolfowitz announced that the Saddam Hussein government will not survive the war and that coalition forces will take initial control of Iraq's administration. He…
Investigation into the Death of at Least Ten Allied Forces in Northern Iraq - 2003-04-06
An investigation is underway regarding the deaths of at least ten allied forces in northern Iraq due to a possible friendly fire incident involving U.S.…
Bombing of the Home of Ali Chemical, Saddam's General Who Ordered the Chemical Attack on Halabja - 2003-04-06
The U.S. Central Command announced the bombing of the home of General Ali Hassan Majid, known for his role in the 1988 chemical attack on…
President Bush Expresses Confidence that Saddam Hussein's Regime is in its Final Days - 2003-04-06
President Bush announced that he believes Saddam Hussein's regime is nearing its end, emphasizing the arrival of freedom for Iraqis. He is set to meet…
British MP and Saddam Hussein Supporter Refuses to Meet Tortured Iraqi Woman - 2003-04-06
George Galloway, a British MP known for his support of Saddam Hussein, refused to meet with Freshta Raper, an Iraqi Kurdish woman who suffered torture…
Discovery of Hundreds of Abandoned Corpses in a Military Warehouse Near Basra - 2003-04-06
British soldiers uncovered hundreds of abandoned corpses in a military warehouse near Basra, believed to be Iranian soldiers from the Iran-Iraq War. The discovery raises…
Revocation of Citizenship of a British-Yemeni National - 2003-04-05
The British government has revoked the citizenship of Abu Hamza al-Masri, a British-Yemeni Islamist extremist, due to his support for the 9/11 attacks. He will…
Bush and Blair Meeting This Week in Northern Ireland - 2003-04-05
President Bush and Prime Minister Blair are set to meet in Northern Ireland to discuss the ongoing war in Iraq and related humanitarian efforts. This…
Mr. Blair is interested in a constructive role for the UN in future Iraq while the US government believes this role is still undefined - 2003-04-04
President Bush and Prime Minister Blair are set to discuss the Iraq war and the UN's potential role in post-war Iraq, with differing views on…
Saddam Hussein's First Speech Addressing the People of Iraq Directly - 2003-04-04
Saddam Hussein delivered his first direct speech to the Iraqi people since the onset of the U.S.-led war, urging them to fight against coalition forces.…
Thousands Protest Against War in Several Cities in Indonesia - 2003-04-03
Thousands of Indonesians protested against the U.S.-led war in Iraq across several cities, condemning world leaders as war criminals. The protests involved a diverse group…
April 2, 2003 - Significant Advances Towards Baghdad
On April 2, 2003, coalition forces made significant advances towards Baghdad, with U.S. Marines controlling key routes. Iraqi officials vowed strong resistance against a potential…
Tony Blair: Iraqis Must Take Control of Their Country as Soon as Possible - 2003-04-02
Tony Blair emphasized the need for Iraqis to take control of their country following the conflict, suggesting a temporary government will be established. Jack Straw…
Large Clouds of Smoke Over the Iraqi Presidential Palace - 2003-04-01
On April 1, 2003, large clouds of smoke rose over the Iraqi presidential palace amid massive explosions in Baghdad as U.S. ground forces advanced into…