Final answer:
Oklahoma's Tommy Franks led US military forces into an invasion of Iraq on March 20, C).2003, which marked the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom aimed at overthrowing Saddam Hussein.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oklahoma's Tommy Franks led US military forces into an invasion of Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The correct answer to when this invasion began is C). 2003.
Specifically, the military action started on March 20, 2003, without a formal declaration of war. This operation aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime under the belief that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and posed a threat to the United States and its allies.
Despite initial support from many Americans, the connection between Hussein and al-Qaeda was not clearly demonstrated, and no WMDs were found, leading to questions about the legitimacy and consequences of the invasion.
The importance of this event also lies in its long-term impact, including the destabilization of the region, civilian casualties, and the significant costs associated with military operations. General Tommy Franks was the Commander in Chief of United States Central Command, leading the invasion and subsequent military efforts in Iraq.