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Franks: Our Objectives Are Clear

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030321-20
3/21/2003

By Gunnery Sgt. Charles Portman, U.S. Central Command Public Affairs

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar (NNS) -- The U.S.-led coalition fighting now in Iraq will disarm Saddam Hussein and remove his regime, Gen. Tommy R. Franks said in a message to his troops March 20.

"We will liberate the Iraqi people from a dictator who uses torture, murder, hunger and terror as tools of oppression," Franks said. "We will bring food, medicines, and other humanitarian assistance to Iraqis in need."

Franks has made no public appearances since Operation Iraqi Freedom was ordered to begin March 19 by President George W. Bush. His message was transmitted to his troops electronically.

Coalition aircraft and ships were involved in the early stages of fighting. Also during the first day of operations, Patriot firing batteries successfully intercepted and destroyed two tactical ballistic missiles during an attack on Kuwait.

One missile fired from Iraqi forces struck outside Camp Commando in Kuwait, where British soldiers and U.S. Marines watched as it impacted just outside their compound. A nuclear, biological and chemical monitoring team found no chemical munitions in connection with the strike, a statement from U.S. Central Command said.

In another release, the command said three U.S. ships and two British submarines launched additional Tomahawk missiles during March 20 military operations to disarm Iraq.

In a press briefing, British Secretary of Defense Geoffrey Hoon said British and U.S. forces are continuing to advance into Southern Iraq.

Gen. Franks said the coalition will take care to protect innocent civilians and the infrastructure that supports them. "We will help the Iraqi people start anew to build a future of their own with a government of their choice," Franks said.

"You are now in harm's way," he said to the troops. "Our task will not be easy, but we are fighting for a just cause and the outcome is not in doubt.

"I am proud of you - all that you have done and all you will achieve in the days ahead," Franks said.