Air strikes began on Baghdad at around 0230 GMT on Thursday

The first missiles were fired shortly after the US deadline for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq expired early on Thursday morning.

But among Iraqi expats, there are fears there could be a hidden agenda that could see a long-term occupation of their country by US forces.

But hopes remain that, if Saddam Hussein is deposed, the conflict will be the last that the region has suffered.

Mehdi El Rahdi, who lives in Machynlleth, said he was not encouraged by reports that the first strikes had specifically targeted Saddam Hussein and his generals.

"I am absolutely petrified - my family are in the centre of Baghdad - how can I be pleased?" he said.

"I do not want this to happen - I do not want to be living in the UK where these weapons are coming from and seeing my family being put it danger.

"It is awful for me - it is very sad for every Arab, every Muslim," he added.

I hope the coalition forces will manage to take this evil dictator out of the country Salam Hasan, South Wales Iraqi Community and Refugee Association

Mr El Rahdi said that, on a recent visit to Iraq, people had told him they hoped the war would be the end of the dictatorship.

But he said others were angry at the pressure put on the Iraqi people by the west, and feared an US occupation.

"I am very worried that there is a longer-term agenda we are not hearing - that there will be a longer-term occupation and an American general in charge, which I would absolutely hate to see.

"I would hate to see the break-up of Iraq - maybe it is a foothold for America in the Middle East," he said.

'Evil dictator'

Meanwhile, Salam Hasan, chairman of the South Wales Iraqi Community and Refugee Association, said it was "a sad day" for Iraq.

"Iraqis are innocent - they have been suffering for a very very long time.

"I hope you are seeing the very last war, and I hope the coalition forces will manage to take this evil dictator out of the country.

"Obviously we hope they can resolve it in a very short time.

Mr Hasan said he had spoken to his family in Baghdad on Tuesday.

"All of them managed to get some food and some water went into their houses and locked their doors," he said.

"Their plan is to stay in their houses for two weeks to see what happens.

"They have enough food and water for a week to two weeks," he added.