Battle of Hargeisa (1988)

Battle between the Somalian regime and the Somali National Movement

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Battle of Hargeisa

Part of The 1988 Hargeisa-Burao offensive of the Somaliland War of Independence
| Date| 31 May 1988 - December 5, 1989

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Location|

Hargeisa, Somaliland

Result|

SNM victory

* SNM forces capture the city aside from Hargeisa Airport by 1 June 1988
* Successful Somalian Counter-offensive temporarily pushes back the SNM
* SNM forces fully recapture the town by December 5, 1989

Belligerents
Somali National Movement|  Somali Democratic Republic
Commanders and leaders
Col. Ibrahim Degaweyne
|  Gen. Mohamed Said Hersi Morgan
Strength
500 men
82 military vehicles|  Unknown
Casualties and losses
Civilian population Decimated|  1 plane shot down
“Thousands killed wounded or captured”

* v
* t
* e

Somaliland War of Independence

* Mandera Prison
* Burco-Duuray
* Mountains
* Hargeisa-Burao
* Destruction
* Burao
* Cadaadley
* Hargeisa
* Dilla
* Zeila

* * *

* Declaration of Independence
* Isaaq genocide

The Battle of Hargeisa occurred on 31 May 1988 during the Somaliland War of Independence, when the Somali National Movement launched a surprise attack on Hargeisa, a major city in Somaliland.

## Background

[edit]

In the late 1980s, the SNM intensified its insurgency against the regime of President Siad Barre, seeking autonomy for the northern regions. Hargeisa, being a strategic and symbolic city, became a focal point for SNM operations.

## The Battle

[edit]

On 31 May 1988, SNM forces, led by Col. Ahmed Mire Mohamed, initiated a coordinated assault on Hargeisa. The operation was meticulously planned, with prior reconnaissance missions conducted to assess government defenses. SNM fighters infiltrated the city from multiple directions, targeting key military installations and government facilities. The surprise attack led to the swift capture of significant portions of the city, although some areas, including the airport, remained under government control.[1]

## Aftermath

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The SNM's incursion into Hargeisa prompted a fierce response from government forces, led by Gen. Mohamed Said Hersi Morgan. The Somali National Army (SNA) launched counter-offensives involving heavy artillery and aerial bombardments, resulting in widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties. The battle caused a mass exodus of residents, with many seeking refuge in neighboring regions and countries. Despite initial successes, SNM forces eventually withdrew from Hargeisa due to the overwhelming firepower of government troops.[2]

## Significance

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The Battle of Hargeisa was a turning point in the Somaliland War of Independence. It demonstrated the SNM's capability to challenge the Somali government's control over major urban centers. The extensive destruction and humanitarian crisis resulting from the battle drew international attention to the conflict. The events of 31 May 1988 are commemorated in Somaliland as a symbol of resistance and the struggle for self-determination.[3]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Gudo-galkii SNM ee Hargeysa 31 May 1988". Hargeisa Press. 31 May 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
2. ^ "Gudogalkii Xoogagii SNM ee Hargaysa 31-5-1988". Bandhige. 31 May 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
3. ^ "Daawo: Barnaamij Taariikheed Dagaalkii Qadhaadhaa ee ka Qarxey Hargeysa 1988 iyo Dhibkuu ka Tagey". Gabiley News. 15 July 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* [Gudo-galkii SNM ee Hargeysa 31 May 1988](https://hargeisapress.com/gudo-galkii-snm-ee-hargeysa-31-may-1988/)
* [Gudogalkii Xoogagii SNM ee Hargaysa 31-5-1988](https://bandhige.com/maqaallo/gudogalkii-xoogagii-snm-ee-hargaysa-31-5-1988-wq-cali-cabdi-coomay)
* [Daawo: Barnaamij Taariikheed Dagaalkii Qadhaadhaa ee ka Qarxey Hargeysa 1988 iyo Dhibkuu ka Tagey](https://gabiley.net/2017/07/daawo-barnaamij-taariikheed-dagaalkii-qadhaadhaa-ee-ka-qarxey-hargeysa-1988-iyo-dhibkuu-ka-tagey-3/?amp=1)

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