On February 16, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush ordered air strikes on five military targets near the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

[2] The strikes came in response to imminent Iraqi threats to aircraft patrolling the no-fly zones.

[3] Many countries, including U.S. allies, have condemned the airstrikes, which they have called illegal.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey have expressed levels of opposition to the bombing.

"[4] In London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair's office said Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon authorized the raids earlier this week after discussions with the United States.