"We can't discuss operational details -- no comments," said a defense official, mentioning an upcoming address to the nation by US President George W. Bush.

The United States launched strikes on Iraq late Wednesday with a series of bombardments, shortly after a US deadline passed for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to leave the country.

The White House announced that war had begun and that Bush would address the world at 10:15 (0315 GMT).

Anti-aircraft batteries were heard firing at warplanes strafing the Iraqi capital, at the start of a military conflict that has shaken the world community.

WAR.WIRE