The Iraq War began in 2003 when a coalition led by the United States invaded Iraq. The main reasons for the invasion included the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction and the desire to remove Saddam Hussein from power. The war quickly led to the toppling of Hussein's regime, but it also resulted in significant instability in the region. Following the initial invasion, the conflict evolved into a prolonged insurgency, with various groups fighting against coalition forces and each other. The war officially ended in 2011, but its effects continue to influence Iraq and the broader Middle East today.