Coalition forces began striking selected targets against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, President Bush announced in a live address from the Oval Office on Wednesday night

"On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign," Bush said. "Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder," he said in a calm manner as he spoke directly into the camera. Aimed at cutting off the head of the snake, the president called for the attack ahead of schedule, according to defense officials. The Pentagon had told the news media earlier in the evening not to expect an attack on Wednesday night, which is Thursday morning in Iraq. However, military leaders in the region apparently saw some movement happening with the leadership and acted on it, senior defense officials told Fox News. One official speaking from home said that he would not be at home if he had thought the attack was coming so soon.