The Iraq invasion refers to the military operation that began on March 20, 2003, when a coalition led by the United States invaded Iraq. The primary justification for the invasion was the belief that the Iraqi government, led by Saddam Hussein, possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and posed a threat to global security. The invasion quickly led to the toppling of Hussein's regime, but the aftermath resulted in significant instability and conflict within Iraq. The absence of a stable government and ongoing violence contributed to a prolonged insurgency and sectarian strife, affecting the region and international relations for years to come.