WHAT ALL HAPPENED JANUARY TO JUNE 2003
Find out what all happened January to June 2003

Peter Hollingworth becomes the first Governor-General of Australia to resign his office as a result of criticism of his conduct. (28. May 2003)

The Human Genome Project is completed with 99% of the human genome sequenced to an accuracy of 99.99%. (14. April 2003)

France and Belgium break the NATO procedure of silent approval concerning the timing of protective measures for Turkey in case of a possible war with Iraq. (10. February 2003)

In Casablanca, Morocco, 33 civilians are killed and more than 100 people are injured in the Casablanca terrorist attacks. (16. May 2003)

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is officially renamed Serbia and Montenegro and adopts a new constitution. (4. February 2003)

The Bengali Hindus declares the independence of the Republic of Bangabhumi from Bangladesh. (4. February 2003)

2003 invasion of Iraq: In the early hours of the morning, the United States and three other countries (the UK, Australia and Poland) begin military operations in Iraq. (20. March 2003)

Protests against the Iraq war take place in over 600 cities worldwide. It is estimated that between 8 million to 30 million people participate, making this the largest peace demonstration in history. (15. February 2003)

In Fort Worth, Texas, Annika Sörenstam becomes the first woman to play the PGA Tour in 58 years. (22. May 2003)

The United States Department of Homeland Security officially begins operation. (24. January 2003)

US Airways Express Flight 5481 crashes at Charlotte-Douglas Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina, killing all 21 people on board. (8. January 2003)

2003 invasion of Iraq: In what becomes known as the "Mission Accomplished" speech, on board the USS Abraham Lincoln (off the coast of California), U.S. President George W. Bush declares that "major combat operations in Iraq have ended". (1. May 2003)

In a friendly fire incident, two A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft from the United States Idaho Air National Guard's 190th Fighter Squadron attack British tanks participating in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, killing British soldier Matty Hull. (28. March 2003)

A severe heat wave across Pakistan and India reaches its peak, as temperatures exceed 50°C (122°F) in the region. (5. June 2003)

Management of the United States Customs Service and the United States Secret Service move to the United States Department of Homeland Security. (1. March 2003)

U.S. troops in Baghdad capture Abu Abbas, leader of the Palestinian group that killed an American on the hijacked cruise liner the MS Achille Lauro in 1985. (14. April 2003)

During a Great White concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, a pyrotechnics display sets the Station nightclub ablaze, killing 100 and injuring over 200 others. (20. February 2003)

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes the Mexican state of Colima, killing 29 and leaving approximately 10,000 people homeless. (21. January 2003)

Battle of Nasiriyah, first major conflict during the invasion of Iraq. (23. March 2003)

Nearly 200 people die in the Daegu subway fire in South Korea. (18. February 2003)