U.S. Launches Attacks on Iraq

The United States launched missile and bombing attacks against Iraq and personally targeted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, news services reported, as a prelude to a U.S.-led invasion.

That followed the passing of the 8 P.M. EST Wednesday deadline set by President Bush for Saddam to flee or face military action to remove him and disarm his regime.

Reports said Saddam survived a dawn attack that targeted him in the suburbs of Iraq's capital, Baghdad.

Iraq responded hours later by firing missiles Thursday toward American troops positioned just inside neighboring Kuwait, but the reports said none of the Iraqi missiles caused injuries.

President Bush delivered a short televised statement Wednesday night in which he said the action had begun with selected targets of military importance.

Bush said the United States should be prepared for a war that "could be longer and more difficult than some expect." He also said that "we will accept no outcome but victory."

Saddam appeared on Iraqi television hours after the first attack, reports said, urging his people to resist the U.S. military effort.