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Conflicts > Somalia
U.S. Army Special Forces has been involved in Somalia for
many years in an on and off again basis. Most people think of
the Battle for Mogadishu (see below) that took place in 1993
when they think of U.S. involvement with Somalia. What is less
known is that special operations forces (principally SF) has
been active in the country at various times since then.
Special Forces in Somalia 1992-1994
SF deployed teams and small command elements to assist in the
humanitarian relief effort in the early 1990s. Conflict grew in
the country as various militias harassed and interfered with the
relief efforts of the humanitarin relief organizations. Military
forces were inserted to 'keep the peace' and to allow aid to
reach the intended recipients.
Battle of Mogadishu. This battle, taking place on 3-4 October
1993, was part of Operation Gothic serpent. The fight was
between forces of the United States supported by UNOSOM II and
Somali militiamen loyal to the self-proclaimed president-to-be
Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The movie Black Hawk Down
depicted the fight involving a company from the 75th Ranger
Regiment and members of Delta Force.
Battle of Mogadishu (1993) by Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mogadishu_(1993)
United States Forces, Somalia. Action Action Report and
Historical Review: The United States Army in Somalia, Center of
Military History, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.
www.history.army.mil/html/documents/somalia/SomaliaAAR.pdf
Counter-Terrorism Operations
As part of the worldwide 'war on terror' U.S.
counter-terrorism forces are engaged in small, covert operations
to capture or kill high-level terroriists and neutralize
terrorist organizations. Some of these terrorist groups operate
from Somalia. 1.
Information about Somalia
CIA World Factbook on Somalia
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/so.html
CIA Maps for Somalia
www.cia.gov/library/publications/cia-maps-publications/Somalia.html
State Department Somalia
www.state.gov/p/af/ci/so/
Al-Shabaab Terrorist Group - by National Counterterrorism
Center
www.nctc.gov/site/groups/al_shabaab.html
News Reports about SF and Somalia
Norm Hooten Interview. A Special Forces NCO
talks about his life in Special Forces, in a SMU, the Battle of
Mogadishu, the aftermath, and transitioning to civilian life
(whiskey and cigars).
"Norm Hooten: From Somalia to Cigars with a Special Forces
Operator & Black Hawk Down Veteran", Recoil Web,
March 6, 2024.
September 1, 2014.
"U.S. Troops Take Action on Militants in Somalia". The
New York Times. Over 100 special operations personnel are
in training and advisory roles; as well as some in an
operational role.
July 2, 2014.
"Exclusive: U.S. discloses secret Somalia military presence, up
to 120 troops". Reuters.
January 10, 2014.
"U.S. has deployed military advisors to Somalia, officials say".
The Washington Post.
Endnotes
1. For more on counter-terrorism operations in Somalia read
"5 Takeaways from the U.S. Special Ops Raids in Somalia and
Libya", Defense One, October 8, 2013.
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