At 10:15 Wednesday evening, President Bush told the world the United States had begun efforts to disarm and dismantle the government of Iraq.

In his address, which lasted about four minutes, Bush said, "We will accept no outcome but victory."

Bush said 35 nations have taken the responsibility of defending world peace and that forces have the spirit of American behind them.

"The peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you and that trust is well placed," he said.

The president also warned the war may take longer than some people would like.

"Our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done," he said.

He said Saddam Hussein's final act against his people is using them as shields for the war.

It is "a final atrocity against his people," he said.

The world will no longer live at the mercy of the Iraqi dictator, Bush said and that threat will be met by the Army.

"The people you liberate will witness the honest and decent spirit of the American military," he said. "We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens. We will pass through this time of peril."

Television reports at about 9:40 signaled military action had begun. Sounds apparent in the skies of Baghdad were the result of air raid signals just after sunrise.

Bush characterized the initial military action as strikes against "targets of military opportunity."

Bush expressed confidence in the United State's ability to win this war.

"Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure," he said. "The only way to limit its duration is to deliver decisive force.

Check with www.statenews.com throughout the night and see Thursday's edition of The State News for more information.