Latest developments

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 23:55:11 CST 2003’)
Officials speaking on condition of anonymity told the AP that the attacks were not a sign that the main air offensive against Iraq had begun. Rather, they were approved by President Bush in response to time-sensitive intelligence on the whereabouts of Iraqi leaders — presumably including Saddam.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 23:42:08 CST 2003’) Iraqi President Saddam Hussein addresses his nation. Excerpts from his speech according to a translator on CNN:

• “We promise you that Iraq, its leadership and its people will stand up to the evil invaders, and we will take them to such limits that they will lose their patience in achieveing their plans, which are pushed by criminal Zionism.”

• “Bush the careless underestimated your values.”

• It is “the duty of the good people of Iraq” to defend their country.

• Refers to President George W. Bush as the “Junior Criminal Bush.”

• “We love peace and we are working toward this.”

• “Let the losers lose. Let Iraq live.”

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 23:12:34 CST 2003’)

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 23:04:34 CST 2003’)
Japanese stocks jumped more than 2 percent and hit a two-week high by midsession Thursday following the first attacks on Iraq.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 22:41:34 CST 2003’)
Illinois officials said the state remains on orange alert, the status issued in preparation for the war.

“At this point we’re on high alert and will stay there for the time being,” said Abby Ottenhoff, spokeswoman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 22:26:34 CST 2003’)
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to make an address shortly, CNN reports.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 22:25:34 CST 2003’)
F-14 pilots aboard the USS Lincoln prepare for departure, CNN reports.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 22:24:34 CST 2003’)
A U.S. military operation was under way Thursday in southern Afghanistan in the area of Kandahar, a U.S. military spokesman told the Associated Press.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 22:21:34 CST 2003’)
After watching the President’s speech, Mick Georgelos, 42, of Oak Lawn said he was prepared for what he saw on television.

“I was shocked more by the statement Bush made two days ago. Saddam has been doing everything they’ve told him to do. With Afganistan I had no problem … but with this war I just don’t know.”

Earlier tonight. A basketball game between the New Orleans Hornets and the New York Knicks was stopped for a short period to allow the crowd to watch the president’s address on big-screen TVs.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 22:05:34 CST 2003’)
CBS News anchor Dan Rather declares “Good morning Baghdad” as the bombing begins.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 22:01:34 CST 2003’)
AP reports that Iraqi state-run television broadcast the following message to the American people after the initial attacks: “It’s an inferno that awaits them. Let them try their faltering luck and they shall meet what awaits them.”

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 21:49:34 CST 2003’)
AP reports that a U.S. military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said about three dozen cruise missiles were fired from a small number of ships — perhaps as few as two — in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.

The official said they were fired at “leadership targets,” but he was not certain whether Saddam was a target.

Shortly after President Bush’s speech.
At a gym in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, about 30 members stopped their workouts and gathered in the lounge area to watch and discuss the President’s speech.

“I’m feeling very sad,” said Tara Dix, 26. “I have a real sadness about what’s happening here.”

At Hawkeye’s Bar and Grill on Taylor Street, the mood was quiet and low key. Bush’s war announcement did not shock anyone, and most patrons barely paid attention to the declaration that fighting with Iraq had finally begun.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 21:44:33 CST 2003’)
Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division completed a pre-combat ritual: They shaved their heads. “That means they are locked, loaded and ready,” said Army spokesman Max Blumenfeld. “This is their D-Day.”

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 21:34:33 CST 2003’)
Military officials say the strikes used Tomahawk cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs dropped from F-117 Nighthawks, the Air Force’s stealth fighter-bombers.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 21:15:40 CST 2003’): President Bush addresses the United States. Excerpts from his speech.

• “These are the opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign.”

• “Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense.”

• To the armed forces: “The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American military.”

• “Saddam Hussein has placed his troops and equipment in civilian areas ? a final atrocity against his people. I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make every effort ? to save innocent lives from harm.”

• “We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens and for their great civilization and for the religious faith they practice.”

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 20:49:40 CST 2003’) Bush to speak. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer announces that President George W. Bush will address the nation at 9:15 p.m. (CST)

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 20:46:55 CST 2003’) White House announcement. A White House spokesman announces the disarmament of the Iraqi regime has begun.

TS(‘Wed Mar 19 20:35:00 CST 2003’) First signs. Various television and wire services report air raid warning sirens in Baghdad.

The Associated Press, Reuters, Tribune wire services and Tribune staff reporters Crystal Yednak, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Jimmy Greenfield, Christie Tatum and RedEye freelancer Megan Edwards contributed to this report.