The capture of Baghdad on April 9, 2003, represented a critical juncture in the Iraq War, which began in March of that year. The U.S.-led coalition forces, comprising troops from multiple countries, initiated a military campaign aimed at dismantling Saddam Hussein's government. This operation began with intensive airstrikes and ground assaults designed to destabilize the Iraqi military and swift advances towards the capital. The conflict was fueled by concerns over weapons of mass destruction and Iraq's perceived threat to regional stability. As coalition forces entered Baghdad, fierce fighting ensued, particularly in key neighborhoods and governmental districts. The iconic image of Iraqi civilians pulling down a statue of Saddam Hussein in Firdos Square became a powerful symbol of regime change and liberation to many around the world. Over the following days, U.S. forces would secure critical sites, solidifying their control over the city, which had been a focal point of the Iraqi government and military. However, the aftermath of the invasion would later reveal the complexities and challenges of rebuilding a country amid a power vacuum and sectarian conflict.