At this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger. On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign.

More than 35 countries are giving crucial support from the use of naval and air bases to help with intelligence and logistics to deployment of combat units. . . .

We have no ambition in Iraq except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people. . . .

Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.

–Address to the nation about Iraq,
President George W. Bush, March 2003

What was the primary goal of US forces in Iraq in 2003?

to assassinate Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein
to gain intelligence crucial to the deployment of naval and air support
to rid the nation of weapons of mass destruction
to establish US control over the country