Road to Baghdad: Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)

Overview

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF): A U.S.-led coalition invasion of Iraq in March 2003.
• Objective: Remove Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from power and eliminate Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Key Events

The Drive to Baghdad

• U.S. and coalition forces advanced towards Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq.
• Significant military operations to defeat Iraqi forces.

The Battle of Baghdad

• Took place in early April 2003.
• A decisive conflict in the U.S. campaign to topple Saddam Hussein's regime.
• Marked by intense urban warfare.

Important Resources

Videos and Documentaries

1. OIF: The Drive to Baghdad

   • Produced by Army University Press.
   • Depicts the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
   • Available on YouTube.

2. How the Coalition Defeated Saddam

   • Provided by Imperial War Museums.
   • Focus on coalition strategies and execution.

3. OIF: The Fight for Baghdad

   • Covers the battle for control over Baghdad.
   • Highlights key moments of the conflict.

Articles and Reports

1. The 2003 Battle of Baghdad

   • Published by Army University Press.
   • Details the seven-day battle as part of the invasion strategy.

2. Timeline: The Iraq War

   • By Council on Foreign Relations.
   • Provides a detailed timeline from the invasion to post-war activities.

Books

• All Roads Lead To Baghdad
  • Chronicles the support of Army Special Operations Forces in the invasion.

Additional Information

Military Strategy

• The coalitional strategy involved simultaneous ground and air offensives.
• Over 250,000 U.S. troops were mobilized, advancing from multiple directions.

Public Perception and Media

• Extensive media coverage with documentaries, books, and analysis available.
• Highlights the complexity and scale of military operations in urban settings.

Impact

• The operation led to the fall of Baghdad and the end of Hussein's regime.
• Sparked debates on military strategy, humanitarian impact, and political outcomes.