When did Operation Northern/Southern Watch end?

Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch were military operations conducted by the United States and coalition forces to enforce no-fly zones in Iraq after the Gulf War. The correct answer indicates that these operations officially ended in March 2003, as the focus of U.S. military efforts shifted towards the invasion of Iraq, which began shortly thereafter.

The significance of this timing is rooted in geopolitical events; specifically, the decision to invade Iraq in 2003 was framed by the U.S. government as a response to Iraq's perceived non-compliance with United Nations resolutions. The conclusion of Northern and Southern Watch marked a transition in U.S. military strategy in the region, setting the stage for major military action in Iraq later that month.

Understanding this timeline helps contextualize the broader narrative of U.S. military involvement in the Middle East, as well as the processes of international diplomacy and conflict resolution that were in play during that period.