Shock and Awe (Iraq War 2003)

A collection of videos and reports on the 'Shock and Awe' campaign against Iraq in 2003. Including an article on the actual origin of the war term.



Shock and awe - Iraq 2003
20 March 2023

We mark the 20th anniversary of the US 'shock and awe' campaign designed to destroy Baghdad.

The sad part of this horrible episode of our modern history is the fact that, as people cheered the obscene fireworks, we managed to completely ignore the fact that there were people living in the very areas the bombs were dropping.

It is the same today. The Ukraine 'war' is being fought exclusively in Ukraine. Any bombs that fall - launched by either Ukraine or Russia- are killing innocent Ukrainians. We have no idea how many have died. Or will die. USG seems determined to drag this on as long as possible.

And we know from past experience, if only from what we saw in Afghanistan, that the moment this story 'ends' so will all coverage of what has happened, or will happen.

It is disgusting. No other word for it.

James Porteous | Clipper Media News

A reminder to all the modern-day armchair warriors - the explosions seen here in Baghdad in 2003 killed people. All wars -and those being waged today - kill innocent people. No matter who is firing the missiles.

GWT: APTN footage of 'shock and awe' bombardment

(21 Mar 2003)

1. Explosion over Baghdad skyline 2. Massive cloud of smoke from explosion 3. Explosion lights up skyline 4. Presidential palace on fire, black smoke pouring out 5. Explosion lights up skyline 6. Presidential palace on fire, black smoke pouring out 7. Various plumes of smoke over skyline

STORYLINE:

A barrage of explosives crashed down on Baghdad on Friday, sending enormous fireballs and clouds of smoke billowing high into the night sky above the Iraqi capital.

The heavy attack started at 9 p.m. local time (1800 GMT) - mostly in a 15 minute bombardment - in what was the first phase of the Pentagon's "shock and awe" campaign designed to shock the Iraqi military into surrender.

The presidential compound at the Old Palace was struck anew by missiles after a lull in the heaviest attack on Baghdad since the conflict began.

It was unclear what target had been hit on the southern part of the city but huge black clouds of smoke poured into the darkened sky. A major oil refinery and military installations are located to the south.

Iraqi military forces responded by firing anti-aircraft guns from Baghdad.

US navy officials said 320 Tomahawk cruise missiles were fired by US warships deployed in the region.

The aerial bombardment involves cruise missiles launched by coalition warships as well as bombs dropped by B-52 bombers, B-2 stealth bombers and carrier-based warplanes,

Flashes also lighted up the skies over Mosul and Kirkuk _ a key oil center _ on Friday night.

In escalating the aerial bombardment of Iraq on Friday, U.S. commanders crossed a threshold in a psychological campaign meant to unravel the Iraqi government.

They hoped that the promise of hundreds more airstrikes throughout the country, plus the advance of thousands of American ground troops toward the gates of Baghdad, would compel key people in President Saddam Hussein's inner circle to turn on him, U.S. officials said.

2003 invasion of Iraq

Shock and awe