A U.S. led coalition invaded Iraq in March 2003 and removed Saddam Hussein from power.
The invasion was justified in part by concerns about weapons of mass destruction, which were not found. U.S. combat forces left in December 2011, and U.S. troops later returned to fight ISIS.
Key Facts
- Invasion: March 2003
- U.S. combat forces withdrew: December 2011
- U.S. deaths: about 4,400
- Later mission: fight against ISIS beginning in 2014
Remembering Those Who Served
PinGallery honors the service members who served and sacrificed in every American conflict, along with their families.