Guide Note:

The First Battle of Mogadishu occurred on October 3 and 4, 1993, as part of a U.S. special operation helping U.N. workers providing aide to the region. The battle pit U.S. forces against Somali militias loyal to warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid and resulted in hundreds of casualties over a 17-hour span.

Fast Facts:

1. Date: October 3 - October 4, 1993
2. Military Operation: Operation Gothic Serpent
3. Intent: Secure and facilitate humanitarian relief
4. U.S. Commander: William F. Garrison
5. Somali Commander: Mohamed Farrah Aidid
6. Soldiers involved in Operation Gothic Serpent: 600
7. Delta Force Snipers SFC Randall Shughart and Gary Gordon awarded with the Medal of Honor

• January 1991: Dictator of Somalia, Mohammed Siad Barre overthrown by a coalition of opposing clans supported by United Somalia Congress
• March 1992: U.N intervenes in Somalia to provide humanitarian aide
• December 1992: George H. W. Bush allows armed U.S. forces to assist U.N. effort
• December 1992: 25,000 U.S. troops sent to Somalia
• June 1993: U.S. troops and the U.N. are subject of an attack in Mogadishu
• August: 4 U.S. Military Police killed by a land mine
• October 1993: First Battle of Mogadishu: 18 U.S. soldiers killed, 84 wounded