The United States, backed by a coalition of countries, led the deployment of troops in Iraq from March 19th through May 1st, 2003. The invasion was completed although the links of Al Qaeda terrorist group with the existence or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) were never proven. The occupation marked the beginning of the Iraq War.

"Disarm Iraq from weapons of mass destruction (WMD), end the support provided by Saddam Hussein to terrorism and accomplish freedom of the Iraqi people," were the reasons given by ex US President George W. Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

World super powers split: on the one hand, there was France, Belgium, Germany, Russia and China, in addition to other countries that showed passive opposition. On the other hand, there were the countries that publicly supported the United States, including, among others, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland and Portugal.

On March 19th, 2003, without any declaration of war by any of the parties, the coalition attacked Iraq. The United States got prepared with 225,000 troops, 800 tanks, hundred choppers and four maritime combat groups, including aircraft carriers Constellation, Harry S. Truman, A. Lincoln and T. Roosevelt.

Purporting to defend the country, Saddam Hussein ordered to divide Iraq into four sections and entrusted the defense of each of these regions to a person who had his complete trust.

In Venezuela, the so-called Tascón Roll was released. The file prepared by Deputy for Andean Táchira state Luis Tascón listed the names of all the people who signed an application for the presidential recall referendum. It was used to deny jobs, positions, or the possibility of being a supplier for the public sector.

Journalists, TV stars, pageant beauties, executive officers and media people, accompanied by the civil society, staged a large demonstration called "Leave my media alone." There were similar demonstrations throughout the year in Caracas and the province.

The Vinotinto soccer team surprisingly defeated Argentina 1-0 in the first match of the South American Soccer Championship.