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US attacks Iraq

The United States launched a ''substantial military action'' against Iraq early today, White House spokesman Joe Lockhart said.

''The president decided to take this action this morning after reviewing the conclusions of the report from the United Nations secretary-general and UN Security Council made by UNSCOM Chairman Richard Butler and discussing the situation with his foreign policy team at the White House,'' Lockhart said.

In Baghdad, anti-aircraft guns began firing into the skies early today local time as television cameras relayed worldwide the explosions.

It was not immediately clear whether any Cruise missiles had been launched. No air raid sirens were sounding.

US President Bill Clinton would make a live television address within the hour, Lockhart said.

In Baghdad, CNN correspondents said they were hearing sirens and extremely loud thuds in the distance.

UNI

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