Read the following statements carefully: I. On 19th March 2003, the US launched its invasion of Iraq. II. 20 countries joined in the US-led “coalition of willing.” III. The UN did not give its consent to the operation.
Choose the correct option:

Correct option is B

Statements I and III are correct:
1. Statement I: The US launched its invasion of Iraq on 19th March 2003 under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and combating terrorism. This marks the beginning of the Iraq War, also known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.
2. Statement III: The United Nations did not authorize the operation. The US and its allies acted unilaterally after failing to secure a second resolution in the UN Security Council, resulting in widespread international criticism.
Statement II is partially inaccurate because while a coalition of willing nations supported the invasion, the actual number varied and often included countries with limited or symbolic contributions. The term "20 countries" is debated.