What happend after president bush said the war had ended in Iraq?

After President George W. Bush declared that major combat operations in Iraq had ended on May 1, 2003, the situation in the country deteriorated into a prolonged insurgency and sectarian violence. Despite the initial military success, Iraq faced significant instability, leading to a power vacuum, the rise of insurgent groups, and ongoing conflict. This period saw increased casualties among both military personnel and civilians and set the stage for a complicated and challenging reconstruction effort. The declaration, often referred to as the "Mission Accomplished" speech, became a focal point for criticism of the war's management and the subsequent U.S. involvement in Iraq.