British Prime Minister Tony Blair was informed shortly after midnight (0000 GMT) that attacks were to be launched in Iraq "on a limited number of command and control targets," his spokesman said.
"The prime minister was informed shortly after midnight that attacks on a limited number of command and control targets were being brought forward," the spokesman said.
"As regards the involvement of British forces, he (Blair) will set out the position in due course," the spokesman added.
The first strikes on the Iraqi capital Baghdad took place at 0235 GMT.
However, a British government source told AFP the air strikes were "not the start of the main campaign" led by the United States. (Albawaba.com)
