Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu, has a long history stained with blood and conflict. It’s the country’s largest city, and it seems that any headlines regarding the place always include some kind of gruesome bloodshed. It’s like the city has never found a moment of peace to catch its breath. Reports have just come in of a massive truck bomb that decimated a hotel in the capital, rocking the city to its core.
Mogadishu in 1963 – photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Prior to the beginning of the civil war in 1986, the city still had a rocky history–Somalia gained independence from its colonial ancestors in the 1960s, and a political assassination, a coup d’état (albeit a bloodless one), the Ogaden War and a rebellion–all in the last 60 years. These events sparked off the Somali civil war, a conflict that continues today. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that the fighting has displaced well over a million people throughout the country. Hundreds of thousands have died as a result.
A totalitarian government was born in the ’80s under the leadership of Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, and like similar governments he closed himself off and kept to those closest to him. He punished the opposition by bombing-major-population-centers. This obviously did not sit well with many, so a group by the name of the United Somali Congress (USC) surrounded Mogadishu and essentially laid it under siege with General Barre inside. They fought their way into Mogadishu, and after four long weeks of bloodshed and destruction, they were able to topple the authoritarian government that was so deeply rooted in that city.
There was a vacuum in power after General Barre was taken down. The remaining government became divided into all sorts of differing ideologies and factions. One such group was led by the infamous General Mohamed Farah Aidid, and they all fought to take the seat of power in Mogadishu.
This brings us to the “Battle of Mogadishu” that is portrayed in Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down. American Special Operations forces fought a fierce battle through the city as two of their helicopters were shot down; Ambassador Robert Oakley estimated 1,500-2,000 Somalis killed and wounded in that single battle. While we’re on the topic of Mogadishu’s conflict-heavy history, many people call this particular battle the “First Battle of Mogadishu” since there were eight more after that, involving all sorts of violent forces, from the Ethiopian government to Islamic insurgents to more local factions. The last of such battles ended in 2011.
Mogadishu has suffered for a long time, and as another bomb rips through the capital we are reminded that they are still in desperate need of peace.
A Mogadishu street – image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Featured image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu, has a long history stained with blood and conflict. It’s the country’s largest city, and it seems that any headlines regarding the place always include some kind of gruesome bloodshed. It’s like the city has never found a moment of peace to catch its breath. Reports have just come in of a massive truck bomb that decimated a hotel in the capital, rocking the city to its core.
Mogadishu in 1963 – photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Prior to the beginning of the civil war in 1986, the city still had a rocky history–Somalia gained independence from its colonial ancestors in the 1960s, and a political assassination, a coup d’état (albeit a bloodless one), the Ogaden War and a rebellion–all in the last 60 years. These events sparked off the Somali civil war, a conflict that continues today. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated that the fighting has displaced well over a million people throughout the country. Hundreds of thousands have died as a result.
A totalitarian government was born in the ’80s under the leadership of Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, and like similar governments he closed himself off and kept to those closest to him. He punished the opposition by bombing-major-population-centers. This obviously did not sit well with many, so a group by the name of the United Somali Congress (USC) surrounded Mogadishu and essentially laid it under siege with General Barre inside. They fought their way into Mogadishu, and after four long weeks of bloodshed and destruction, they were able to topple the authoritarian government that was so deeply rooted in that city.
There was a vacuum in power after General Barre was taken down. The remaining government became divided into all sorts of differing ideologies and factions. One such group was led by the infamous General Mohamed Farah Aidid, and they all fought to take the seat of power in Mogadishu.
This brings us to the “Battle of Mogadishu” that is portrayed in Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down. American Special Operations forces fought a fierce battle through the city as two of their helicopters were shot down; Ambassador Robert Oakley estimated 1,500-2,000 Somalis killed and wounded in that single battle. While we’re on the topic of Mogadishu’s conflict-heavy history, many people call this particular battle the “First Battle of Mogadishu” since there were eight more after that, involving all sorts of violent forces, from the Ethiopian government to Islamic insurgents to more local factions. The last of such battles ended in 2011.
Mogadishu has suffered for a long time, and as another bomb rips through the capital we are reminded that they are still in desperate need of peace.
A Mogadishu street – image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Featured image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.