The U.S. invasion of Iraq occurred in 2003, specifically on March 20. This military action was led by the United States, along with coalition forces from several other countries. The invasion aimed to dismantle the regime of Saddam Hussein under the justification that he possessed weapons of mass destruction and posed a threat to global security. The invasion quickly led to a rapid military victory, toppling Hussein's government, but it also initiated a prolonged period of conflict and instability in Iraq. The consequences of this invasion continue to shape the region's political landscape today.