The pivotal event that led to the downfall of Saddam Hussein in Iraq was the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, a consequence of claims that his regime possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). The invasion, framed as part of the broader War on Terror following the September 11 attacks, quickly dismantled Hussein's government, leading to his capture later that year. The consequences of this invasion were profound, resulting in a power vacuum, ongoing conflict, and significant upheaval within Iraq. The resultant instability, sectarian violence, and rise of extremist groups demonstrated the complexities and challenges of post-invasion governance and the repercussions of foreign intervention.