1993 Battle of Mogadishu

The 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, also known as Black Hawk Down, was a conflict during a U.S. military operation in Somalia. U.S. forces aimed to capture a warlord’s lieutenants but encountered fierce resistance from Somali militants. Two American Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, leading to a dangerous, hour-long urban combat in Mogadishu’s streets. The operation resulted in the deaths of 18 U.S. soldiers and many Somali casualties. The incident highlighted the risks of urban warfare and influenced U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of understanding local conflicts before intervention.