Operation Iraqi Freedom - Day 1 - LIVE THREAD

20 March 2003 | An.American.Expatriate

[An.American.Expatriate]

This is a thread to collect all the breaking stories regarding the Libration of Iraq

[Oldeconomybuyer]

CNN has press pool with Al Jazzera, but I think I saw some of their coverage on pMS.

[Peach]

So it will build over days, not hours and this wasn't necessarily the "shock and awe" we're expecting. Can't imagine it getting more intense - will probably just last longer. This seems to have quieted down. CNN: Conflicting information from Defense Dept. and it may be deliberate. Some officials say it's continued prep of the battlefield to get ready for the massive coordinated air and ground attacks in the next 24-48 hours. Other officals - this may be the very opening round of the war. Very deliberate confusion. Reporting that the first marine force is crossing the line into Iraq.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Great idea, thanks!

[thedugal]

Reporter in Baghdad said he saw hits on Intelligence HQ and Saddams palaces.. immediately during that conversation you could here some angry talk in the background the reporter got really shook up.. his voice was scared, he said I have to be very very careful what I say.. he said I have just been informed that those explosions COULD have been in CIVILIAN areas, again he repeated, I AM BEING TOLD, those explosions may be in civilian areas.... the reporters voice was SCARED.. very creapy..

[July 4th]

CNN showing fire in building after strike

[steveegg]

That 10 pm Blair address is British time. Tune in at 5 pm EST.

[Cboldt]

I dunno -- haven't heard or read anything. Trying to do some work and keep an eye on this at the same time (sort of at the same time)

[PhiKapMom]

White House and Pentagon confirmed!

[colette_g]

Sky just reported F-14s on their way

[abnegation]

Where did you hear this? Fox is reporting that the Pentagon told them that this is NOT the beginning of shock and awe. Bair reporting that Baghdad will have NO electricity once that begins.

[cyncooper]

Mik on MSNBC says best described as Shock and Pause.

This is not the Shock and Awe yet.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

to quit = quit.

Bret Baier:

We here at FoxNews will do our best to abide by rules....to not endanger the troops. Some of the lights in the sky are Iraqi ordinance coming back down. Brit says that caused all sorts of damage during the Gulf War. Heh...shooting straight up.

[prairiebreeze]

NBC saying govt. now describing it as Shock and Pause. Incremental. Targeting leadership targets. Then Pauses.

FWIW

prairie

[Dog]

These reporters are ticking me off.......they just said planes left the carriers.......damn!

Ivan you around..??

[Captain Beyond]

FOX saying most recent attack is more strikes on Command and Control targets of Opportunity. Still waiting for main attack.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Peter Arnett saying this nothing compared to 1991.

Suggests this ain't SnA.

[Tree of Liberty]

NBC saying the plan has changed from "shock and awe" to "shock and pause", with the attacks coming in waves, with each wave going after particular groups of targets.

[steveegg]

CNN - Marine unit has crossed the line.

[PhiKapMom]

David Kay explained that this is going to build gradually and anyone expecting fireworks hour after hour is going to be disappointed. He said they will come in waves.

[Peach]

Love the abbreviations! Especially Dead's. My mind goes slower than my fingers so it's probably easier for me to type out the full name but we'll see over time. Good idea when we're rushing to get news out to cube bound folks.