Missile strikes continue

When U.S. intelligence informed President Bush it had a "target of opportunity" Wednesday, "Operation Iraqi Freedom" began as the president ordered a cruise missile attack on facilities believed to house high-ranking Iraqi military leaders — including Saddam Hussein. In the days following, the missile attacks continued as U.S. and coalition forces advanced toward Baghdad.

DAY ONE

The initial attack

Approximately 40 U.S. Tomahawk missiles launched from ships in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, accompanied by precision-guided bombs dropped from F-117 stealth fighters, destroy facilities believed to contain Iraqi military leaders.

Iraqi television broadcasts Saddam Hussein saying "Iraq will be victorious."

DAY TWO

Bombing escalates

At least four Iraqi missiles launched at Kuwait. Patriot missile batteries show one down, while others land in the northern Kuwaiti desert and Kuwait Bay.

At least three oil wells set on fire near Basra, an oil-producing center in Iraq's southern region.

The U.S. 3rd and 1st Marine divisions enter Iraq from the south.

DAY THREE

Baghdad under fire

The U.S. launches more than 320 Tomahawk missiles on government and Republican Guard positions in Baghdad.

British Royal Marines cross into Iraq near the head of the gulf and secure the Al Faw peninsula.

Australian forces seize an Iraqi tugboat carrying more than 60 sea mines.

Eight British Royal Marines and four American Marines die when their CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter crashes before dawn in Kuwait.

Two Marines killed in a gunfight near the Al Rumeila oil fields and another killed as coalition forces secure the southern port of Umm Qasr and the H-2 and H-3 airfields in Iraq's western region.

8,000 Iraqi troops surrender to coalition forces near Basra.

DAY FOUR

Still on the move

The bombing campaign in Baghdad continue through the night as strategic targets around the city are hit.