ATTACK ON IRAQ BEGINS

By Safa Haeri IPS Editor

LONDON 20 Mar. IPS)    The United States and its allies attacked Iraq in pre-dawn operation, targeting objectives deep inside Iraq.

In a short address to the nation, President George W. Bush said "every effort would be done to limit civilian causalities", but accused President Saddam Hoseyn to have placed his most trusted forces inside human shields.

The first attack came at 2.40 AM London time, that is 5.40 local.

He said the American and allied forces are in the Middle East to remove a deadly danger from the humanity and the United States.

He said America has "no ambition" but to restore democracy and freedom to the people of Iraq and their great civilisation".

President Bush said 35 nations were involved in the operation, but did not name them. ENDS ATTACK BEGINS 20303