Image courtesy of Gannett News ServiceMARCH 20: It is 5.25 this morning in the Persian Gulf as the first US missile streaks from the USS Bunker Hill towards Iraq, signalling the start of the war to oust Saddam Hussein.

More missiles and laser-guided bombs followed and it is believed they were all directed towards specific targets in Baghdad - one of which was reported to be the Iraqi dictator.

Hussein apparently survived to make a TV broadcast in which he said Iraq would be victorious against coalition forces.

President Bush, addressing the American people, said the war was aimed at disarming Iraq and freeing its people.