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2/14th Somalia Archives |
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2/14th Somalia Archives |
Contents
Comprehensive Histories of Operations in Somalia
Chronology of Key Events in
Somalia, December 1992 to March 1994
[ From the U.S. Army Center
of Military History -
CMH ]
| 1992 | |
| Dec 09 | Arrival of U.S. forces in Mogadishu, Operation Restore Hope |
| Dec 13 | Mixed UNITAF force takes over Bale Dogle |
| Dec 16 | U.S.-Australian Force relieves Baidoa |
| Dec 20 | U.S.-Belgian force arrives in Kismayo |
| Dec 22 | Joint Task Force Somalia Command (JTFSC) advance party arrives Mogadishu |
| Dec 23 | U.S. Marine force arrives in Bardera |
| Dec 25 | French arrive in Oddur |
| Dec 27 | Italian force arrives in Gialalassi |
| Dec 28 | Joint Marine/Canadian force arrives in Belet Uen |
| Dec 31 | Coalition forces enter Marka. President Bush visits Mogadishu, Baidoa |
| 1993 | |
| Jan 03 | UN Secretary-General Boutrous-Ghali visits Mogadishu, warlord Aideed's demonstrators prevent him from visiting UNOSOM headquarters |
| Jan 04-06 | First Addis Ababa warlord conference |
| Jan 10 | JTFSC main body arrives at Mogadishu |
| Jan 15 | JTFSC assumes Port Operations mission |
| Jan 19 | 86th Evac Hospital begins operations |
| Jan 26 | Units begin deploying into interior |
| Jan 28 | JTFSC assumes Theater CSS mission |
| Feb 18 | Phase I - transition to United Nations Operation Somalia (UNOSOM) begins |
| Feb 22 | Lt. Gen. Bir, UNOSOM II Force commander visits Mogadishu |
| Feb 23-26 | Serious rioting in Mogadishu as Aideed supporters protest Gen. Morgan's moves into Kismayo |
| Mar 08 | Lt. Gen. Bir, Force Commander, UNOSOM II, arrives in Mogadishu |
| Mar 09 | Maj. Gen. Montgomery, Deputy UNOSOM II Force Commander, arrives in Mogadishu |
| Mar 15-27 | Second Addis Ababa reconciliation conference |
| Apr 22 | Generals Bir and Johnston agree to turnover date of May 4 |
| Apr 29 | U.S. and UN sign terms of reference |
| May 04 | UNITAF-UNOSOM II Change of Command |
| May 04-06 | U.S. and UN sign agreement of reimbursement for operations in support of UNOSOM II |
| May 07 | Jess attacks Belgins in Kismayo |
| May 09-20 | Quick Reaction Force (QRF) deployed to Kismayo |
| May 12 | U.S. government issues a "serious threat" warning to all Americans in Somalia |
| May 21-Jun 02 | Abortive Galcayo peace conference |
| May 31-Jun 04 | QRF show of force operation planned for Bardera |
| Jun 05 | Pakistani soldiers ambushed at Cigarette Factory on 21 October Road and at feeding station #20. U.S. Quick Reaction Force provides ground and air support |
| Jun 06-07 | USLO/UN offices relocate to Embassy compound. Non-essential civilian employees sent out of country. |
| Jun 09 | Four AC-130 gunships are stationed at Djibouti airport |
| Jun 10 | University complex begins receiving nightly sporadic small arms fire from adjacent buildings |
| Jun 12 | UNOSOM II, QRF and AC-130 gunships attack weapons storage sites and Radio Aideed |
| Jun 17 | AC-130 attacks in SNA enclave, followed by UNOSOM II forces. Ground search of enclave. SRSG orders arrest of Aideed, offers $25,000 reward |
| Jun 19 | Task Force 3-25 engaged by heavy machineguns. Infantry company raid destroys artillery near Afgooye |
| Jun 22 |
Ammunition/weapons storage site #9 blown up, Somalis begin conducting
demonstrations at K4 Circle (Kilometer 4 traffic circle), stadium, reviewing stand; U.S. units restricted
from K4 UNLSC G3 completes U.S. installation security assessment, recommends additional physical security assets. |
| Jun 25 |
UNOSOM II begins planning for additional M48A2C tanks from Turkey; UNLSC has
no maintenance capability UNOSOM begins communications interface planning for incoming subordinate coalition units USS Osprey hit by 2 projectiles, 100-200 barrels of fuel lost, no fire |
| Jun 27 |
LOGCAP truck and driver missing; Installation security against vehicle bombs
increased, USAREUR to provide vehicle inspection mirrors. UNOSOM Intel officer continues to report threat "RED" in Mogadishu; barricades, possible ambushes, 10-20 people using RPGs and grenades. CSS vehicles hardened with sandbags, sheet metal; crew served weapons mounted on unit-constructed mounts. |
| Jun 30 |
U.S. forces attack Atto garage #2 by air. UNLSC convoys continue to
receive fire; request aircraft security; QRF rejects idea; Commander, U.S.
Forces, Somalia (COMUSFORSOM) directs air escort for convoys
exiting/entering Mogadishu along 21 October Road COMUNLSC directs coordinated messages for COMUSFORSOM requesting additional assets (MP, 5-ton trucks, and engineers) in next U.S. force rotation |
| Jul 01 | French report inability to escort UNLSC convoys to Baidoa per UNOSOM Grago 63/64; fuel and water to French forces not delivered; French relent and begin providing escort again |
| Jul 02 | Attack helicopters support Italians caught in ambush at Pasta factory. Ground QRF began movement to reinforce and are withdrawn as Italian commander withdraws |
| Jul 03 | SNA closes 21 October Road; MSR (Main Supply Route) RED is only alternative route to Gilaliassi, Belet Uen |
| Jul 05 | Romanian hospital main body arrives, unit OPCON UNLSC at Mogadishu airfield |
| Jul 07-08 | U4 releases U.S. provided M-79 grenade launchers for issue; GE convoy reconnoiters route to Belet Weyne via Afgooye-Gilalassi, to Belet Uen. Report it unsuitable for trailers. |
| Jul 09 |
300th MP Co. relieved of CP 4 & 7 as Pakistanis receive M-79 grenade
launchers COMUSFORSOM directs QRF to use air for selected ground convoys, especially those traveling to/from Balad via 21 October Road Koreans begin unloading ships, request air cover for convoys to Balad through 14 Jul |
| Jul 10 | Mortars impact Norwegian billets in Embassy compound, 4 injured; Via Lenin Road closed due to threat |
| Jul 10-13 | QRF conducts search/clear operations near University compound |
| Jul 11 | Second LOGCAP water truck stolen. Continued concern about attempts to use them for explosives inside HQ compound |
| Jul 12 | UNOSOM air attack on SNA command and control site: "Abdi House". 4 journalists employees killed in Mogadishu |
| Jul 13 |
UNLSC engineers perform demolition assessment of "Fruit Factory" outside
university perimeter, source of sniper fire U.S. forces on heightened alert after attack on SNA site. U.S. Provost Marshal on UNOSOM staff ambushed in the vicinity of K4, 2 U.S. wounded Korean convoys to Balad delayed for security reasons COMUSFORSOM requests additional MP or infantry company with HUMMWV. Additional force required for force protection |
| Jul 15 | HQ ARCENT rejects request for M-2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles as infeasible; recommends combining request for additional Q-36 radars, infantry, and MPs into one message |
| Jul 19 | German composite force main body arrives under Chap. VI; 10 Aug SubOrd to UNLSC at Belet Uen. Intends to be fully operational by end of August |
| Jul 20 | 43rd Redeployment begins with arrival of initial 507th CSG (Airborne) units from XVIII Airborne Corps. Redeployment is complete by 10 September |
| Jul 21 | QRF Aviation Bn. engages/destroys RPG gunner and mortar position; Tunisians have 2-hour firefight with Somalis at University |
| Jul 22 | CINCCENT dispatches a security assessment team to Somalia |
| Jul 24 | Two U.S. vehicles ambushed in Mogadishu; 2 U.S. wounded, 3 attackers killed. |
| Jul 26 | COMUSFOROSM requests two Q36 radars to assist targeting of mortar positions |
| Jul 27 | COMUSFORSOM requests reconsideration of earlier request to FORSCOM for an additional Light Infantry Company with a request for an additional MP platoon. Message also alerts Commander-in-Chief, Central Command (CINCCENT) to forthcoming message that will provide detailed request for security and force protection material and personnel. Ultimately, an additional Infantry Platoon is sent, with vehicles, to perform the task. It is attached to the QRF, relieving the JMP Platoon to join the MP company |
| Jul 28 |
Requested additional counter-intel teams, identified and inbound CISE reports SNA $10,000 bounty on downed U.S. helicopters; use of women and children to plant land mines; increase in use of mines and daytime ambushes, targeting U.S. personnel |
| Aug 01 | Bangladesh battalion arrives, scheduled to provide security for U.S. installations (TBD) |
| Aug 02 | U2 continues to receive reports of mines; most unfounded |
| Aug 05 | Sword Base receives indirect fire |
| Aug 06 | French agree to put air cover over U.S. convoys in French sector |
| Aug 08 | Command detonated mine kills four MPs. This catastrophic attack is the first successful use of a command-detonated mine |
| Aug 10 |
COMUSFORSOM alerts CINCCENT of forthcoming requests for material and
personnel to enhance physical security and force protection for U.S. forces. Based on damage to vehicles and injuries to crews, COMUNLSC sends message requesting that CASCOM begin development of crew protection kits for crews of thin-skinned vehicles OH-58D hit by small arms fire, other aircraft fired at; airfield receives 4 mortar rounds; AH-1 engages vehicle near military hospital |
| Aug 11 |
USCENTCOM validates USFORSOM G3 request for an improved imagery enhancement
vehicle (HEV), and a "Night Stalker" system is deployed. It is used
nightly through February, 1994 and assists in installation defense Cordon and search of Medina area |
| Aug 13 | 46th Combat Support Hospital personnel rotation begins |
| Aug 14 | QRF raid to capture suspects in 8 Aug attack against 4 U.S. MPs. 4 detainees |
| Aug 16 | Secretary of State authorizes funding for extension of USMC Security Fast Platoon at embassy through December 93 |
| Aug 18 | Bangladesh contingent request issue of body armor from UNLSC |
| Aug 19 | Second command-detonated mine in the vicinity of Bypass Road, no injuries |
| Aug 22 | 2/14th Infantry assumes Bypass security mission; third command-detonated mine in the vicinity of New Port |
| Aug 23 | COMUSFORSOM directs all convoys between the airport and Port to move through the UAE and Pakistani camps |
| Aug 25 |
UH-60 fired upon by suspected RPG rockets UN headquarters announces that its investigation of 5 June attack on Pakistani concludes that Aideed's militia carried out attacks |
| Aug 26 |
SWT supports second search of SNA enclave Mortar attack against Sword Base UH-60 stuck by 57mm rocket COMUSFORSOM faxes message to DCINC requesting Mech battalion plus for force protection |
| Aug 27 | SWT begin airport air cover mission |
| Aug 28 | AH-1 destroys recoilless rifle in the vicinity of AWSS #3 |
| Aug 29 |
Mortar attack (6 rounds) against University compound; air dispatched to
suspected mortar position Task Force Ranger arrives |
| Sep 01 | Irish truck company main body arrives |
| Sep 07 | USCINCCENT validates USFORSOM request for material and personnel required for physical security and force protection upgrade |
| Sep 08 | QRF cordon and search in Medina |
| Sep 09 | Pakistani and U.S. forces ambushed on 21 October Road. Significant Somali casualties. Women take part in ambush |
| Sep 12 | Counter-mortar fire into Digfer Triangle area |
| Sep 13 | Cordon and search in Medina; 2n14th has to fight it's way back to base |
| Sep 14 | COMUSFORSOM, following consultation with CINCCENT on 9 Sep, forwards PFOR CINCCENT requesting Armor/Mechanized team plus for force protection |
| Sep 15 | QRF counter-fires mortars into Atto's Garage |
| Sep 16 |
In response to COMUSFORSOM request, USCINCCENT directs deployment not later
than 26 Sep of one additional combat engineer platoon with mine detection
and mine clearing capability Task Force Ranger conducts successful raid on the old Russian compound |
| Sep 17 | In response to G3 request, U.S. Army engineer School conducts countermine assessment and recommends countermine technology for the theater |
| Sep 18 | Mortar attack against Embassy Compound (QRF headquarters) |
| Sep 19 | QRF Infantry raid of suspected mortar location in the vicinity of Benadir hospital |
| Sep 20 | Show of force/leaflet drop in Medina/K4 areas |
| Sep 21 |
Pakistanis ambushed near K9, Task Force 2-25 supports withdrawal Osman Atto captured by Task Force Ranger COMUNLSC, in coordination with commander, TACC, Brig. Gen. Sams, validates need for and requests USAF "Red Horse" team to build revetments to protect U.S. aircraft, and hardened shelters for airfield personnel |
| Sep 23 | COMUSARCENT send message to USCINCCENT concurring with COMUSFORSOM's requirement or additional heavy forces; suggests an infantry-heavy Co/Team (3 platoons M2A2/2 M1 with front "Blades"; six 4.2 in. mortars and FDC; and direct support sustainment package) |
| Sep 24 | Four aircraft damaged by mortar attack on airfield |
| Sep 25 | UH-60 shot down (3 KIA) |
| Sep 27 | CINCCENT tasks USCINCSOC to provide COMUSFORSOM 3 additional CA teams under OPCON COMUNLSC |
| Sep 30 | COMUSFORSCOM order directs III Corps to assume UNLSC and aviation task force mission from XVIII Airborne Corps in rotation 3 of UNONSOM II. XVIII Airborne Corps will retain the QRF mission, using a brigade from the 7th Infantry Division (Light), including a battalion, brigade HQ, and a forward support battalion |
| Oct 03 |
Task Force Ranger conducts raid in the vicinity of the Olympic Hotel in
Mogadishu. 18 U.S. soldiers KIA with 84 WIA; 1 Malaysian soldier KIA,
10 WIA; 2 Pakistani soldiers WIA; 300+ Somalis killed and 700+ wounded
(according to SNA reports) and 22 detainees captured 4th command-detonated mine exploded in the vicinity of New Port |
| Oct 04 |
CJCS authorizes deployment of two AC-130 aircraft CJCS directs deployment of an M2 Bradley (Cont) team, reinforced with an M1 Tank platoon to Somalia, OPCON COMUSFORSOM |
| Oct 05 | USCENTCOM approves USFORSOM/CENTAF request for additional refueling vehicles and fire trucks to the airfield in Mogadishu |
| Oct 06 |
USCENTCOM validates night vision/electro-sensors directorate assessment
team. Tasks ARCENT to fill USFORSOM G3 request for sensors Mortar attack on Task Force Ranger compound at Mogadishu airport. 1 KIA, 12 WIA |
| Oct 07 |
President announces deployment of Joint Task Force (JTF) and 31 March 1994
withdrawal date for U.S. forces CJCS orders to deployment of an additional ARG and MEU(SOC), two AC-130 aircraft, and a heavy task force to Somalia |
| Oct 08 | USCINCCENT orders the deployment of the Heavy Task Force, including an armor battalion HQ, additional armor, self-propelled artillery, UH-60 aircraft, AH-1F, and OH-58D helicopters, additional SOF personnel |
| Oct 10 |
First elements of 2/22nd Infantry/10th Mountain Div. arrive as part of
incoming Joint Task Force. JTF deployment continues through 26 October Aideed declares unilateral ceasefire Ambassador Oakley arrives in Mogadishu |
| Oct 14 |
USCINCCENT activation order for JTF-Somalia CWO Durant released by Aideed supporters (captured when Blackhawk shot down) |
| Oct 17 | CENTCOM Frag Order 001 issued, USFORSOM begins redeployment planning |
| Oct 20 | JTF-Somalia operational |
| Oct 22 | UN Secretary-General Boutrous-Ghali visits Baidoa and Mogadishu |
| Oct 28-29 | Fighting between Habr Gedir and Hawadle resumes in Mogadishu |
| Nov 13 | French handover Baidoa AOR to Indians |
| Nov 11-14 | Operation "Show Care" in Marka (JTF plus Moroccan forces) |
| Nov 16 | With UNSCR 885, Arrest order on Aideed is rescinded |
| Dec 02-04 | Operation "More Care" in North Mogadishu |
| Dec 04-12 | Political reconciliation conference in Addis Ababa. Special Envoy Oakley orders use of USFORSOM air asset to transport Aideed. Despite presence of all warlords, talks are ultimately unsuccessful |
| Dec 12 | French forces depart Somalia |
| Dec 15 | QRF mission handover to Malaysian battalion |
| Dec 17-18 | 2/14th Inf and 43 Combat Engineer redeployed to CONUS |
| Dec 20 | Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff visits Mogadishu |
| Dec 22 | Belgian handover to Indians in Kismayo |
| Dec 30 | Belgian forces depart Somalia |
| Dec 31 | Brown and Root assumes Log support mission. UNLSC reduced to 1400 personnel |
| 1994 | |
| Jan 01 | UNLSC HQ deploys to airfield |
| Jan 15 |
Decision made not to fly commercial aircraft into Mogadishu airport due to
possible MANPAD threats Pakistani forces complete move from stadium to Sword Base. Aideed militia immediately takes over stadium site |
| Jan 16-21 | Hirab conference of elders from many clans in Mogadishu |
| Jan 17 | USFORSOM and JTF-Somalia staffs merged. COMUSFORSOM takes direct command of JTF-S |
| Jan 21 | UNOSOM II change of command, Lt. Gen. Cevic Bir turns over to Lt. Gen. Aboo Samah Aboo Bakr |
| Jan 28 | Task Force Mombasa established at Mombasa airfield |
| Feb 02 | Troop redeployments through Mombasa begin |
| Feb 04 | Bypass Road security mission passed to Egyptian brigade |
| Feb 22 | Turkish forces leave Somalia |
| Feb 24 | Ngulube board presents final report, noting that Aideed refused to be interviewed |
| Feb 28 | Falcon Brigade HQ complete C2 handover with 24 MEU |
| Mar 02 | Falcon Brigade HQ departs Somalia |
| Mar 04 | 24 MEU assumes defense of Mogadishu airport and seaport complexes |
| Mar 05 | The 12 Somali factions allied with Ali Mahdi agree in Cairo on founding a new government |
| Mar 08 | Mortar fire closes the Mogadishu airport for a few hours |
| Mar 12 | Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff again visits Mogadishu |
| Mar 14 | AC-130 crash lands off coast of Malindi, Kenya, search and rescue operations begin |
| Mar 19 | German forces leave Somalia |
| Mar 23 | Italian forces depart Somalia |
| Mar 23-24 | Joint Task Force Somalia staff deploys to Mombasa |
| Mar 25 | Last U.S. ground force departs Mogadishu |
| Mar 27 | U.S. forces complete redeployment. USFORSOM and Joint Task Force Somalia stands down |
| Mar 28 | COMUSFORSOM/CJTF and staff arrive at Andrews Air Force Base. End of mission |
2/14th Somalia Archives
Copyright © 2008 Kirk S. Ramsey
Last modified: July 24, 2024