By Christine Patterson
'The opening stages of the disarmament of the Iraqi regime have begun,' U.S. Press Secretary Ari Fleischer announced Wednesday night.
Two senior military officials told the New York Times they launched a 'few dozen' Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of an apparent effort to kill Mr. Hussein, his two sons or other senior members of the Iraqi leadership.
President Bush spoke to the nation shortly after saying the war had begun in Baghdad with air attacks, the first strikes hitting strategic sites.
The president reiterated his argument that this is not a fight against the Iraqi people, and the military would do everything in its power to avoid civilian casualties.
'Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women and children as shields for his own military, a final atrocity against his people,' Bush said in his address.
Senator Joseph Lieberman, (D-Conn.) appeared on CNN Monday night after Bush''s speech to vocalize support for the President''s decision. However, Bush''s decision remained unpopular with many other Democratic congressmen.
'Today, I weep for my country,' Senator Robert C. Byrd, (D-VA.) said on a deserted Senate floor. 'No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent, peacekeeper. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned.'
Strikes began at 5:35 a.m. local time and are scheduled to continue throughout the day, gaining intensity with time, according to CNN.
American pilots dropped thousands of leaflets detailing the manner in which Iraqi soldiers could surrender, if they chose to avoid engaging in conflict.
Before attacks began, 17 Iraqi border soldiers surrendered to American troops.
'We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens,' Bush said. 'For their great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people.'
Bush warned that the war against Iraq could take longer than many people estimated.
'A campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult than some predict,' Bush said.
Bush also addressed the men and women of the armed forces, telling them they were entrusted with peace in a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed nation, saying the trust was well placed.
'I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon,' Bush said. 'Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done.'