US and UK forces invade Iraq

American and British forces have launched a war against Iraq, with the aim of removing Saddam Hussein from power and disarming his regime.

The first air strikes hit Baghdad in the early hours of 20 March, local time, aimed at Saddam and other Iraqi leaders. Ground forces crossed the border from Kuwait later in the day.

British forces

Around 45,000 British troops are taking part, including Royal Marines and soldiers of the 7th Armoured Brigade, the Desert Rats. They are expected to secure the south of Iraq, including the Al Faw peninsula and the city of Basra.

In a televised address, the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said British forces were engaged from air, land and sea, and that their mission was to remove Saddam from power and disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction.

Why war?

The United States and Britain say Iraq has failed to comply with United Nations resolutions requiring it to give up chemical and biological weapons and programmes to develop nuclear weapons.

They failed to win the support of the UN Security Council for a second resolution authorising military action. France, Germany and Russia opposed war, arguing that weapons inspectors should be given more time.

President George W Bush gave Saddam and his sons 48 hours to leave Iraq on Monday, an ultimatum that was ignored.

Divisions at home

The war has divided Britain. Last month, hundreds of thousands of people marched in London against it. On Tuesday, 139 Labour MPs voted against the government, although the House of Commons approved military action.

The Leader of the House of Commons, Robin Cook, resigned from the cabinet in protest this week.

Around the world

Protests against the war have taken place in many countries. Some countries, including Australia, Poland and Spain, are supporting the United States and Britain.

Fears

There are fears about civilian casualties, the use of chemical weapons and the possibility that Iraq's oil wells could be set on fire. Aid agencies have warned of a humanitarian crisis.

Families of service personnel in Britain, including in Birmingham, are anxiously following the news.

American commanders say the campaign could take weeks.