War timetable moved to attempt assassination

US President George W Bush yesterday appeared to move forward his war timetable in an attempt to assassinate Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein with cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs.

America launched the attack 90 minutes after President Bush's 1am GMT deadline for Saddam to flee his country ran out.

Downing Street's initial response to the outbreak of hostilities clearly indicated the US had altered the war timetable in an effort to shorten the conflict by striking at a key command target.