What is the date range for Operation Iraqi Freedom?

Operation Iraqi Freedom officially began on March 19, 2003, when the United States initiated combat operations to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. The operation was part of a broader strategy following the September 11 attacks in 2001, which did lead to changes in U.S. foreign policy and military engagement, but the specific military action in Iraq is distinctly dated from March 2003.

This date marks the start of the invasion, and although the operation has evolved over the years, with various phases and missions, it is effective to recognize that the operation was officially initiated in 2003. While there are ongoing military and diplomatic efforts in the region, these actions stem from the initial invasion, making the chosen date range significant. This helps in understanding the context and timeline of U.S. military involvement in Iraq.