What major U.S. military operation was conducted in Iraq in 2003?

Operation Iraqi Freedom was the major U.S. military operation conducted in Iraq in 2003. This operation was launched on March 20, 2003, and its primary objectives were to dismantle the regime of Saddam Hussein, eliminate weapons of mass destruction (which were believed to be possessed by Iraq), and ultimately establish a new democratic government in the country.

Operation Iraqi Freedom marked the beginning of the Iraq War, which involved a large-scale invasion by U.S. and coalition forces. The campaign quickly led to the fall of Baghdad and the removal of Saddam Hussein from power. The operation also initiated a prolonged period of military engagement and reconstruction efforts in Iraq that lasted for many years.

In contrast, Operation Desert Shield occurred in 1990 and was related to the Gulf War, while Operation Enduring Freedom refers primarily to U.S. military operations in Afghanistan post-9/11. Operation New Dawn followed Operation Iraqi Freedom and marked the transition to a support role rather than combat operations in Iraq, beginning in September 2010.