Battle of Hargeisa (1988)

Battle of Hargeisa
Part of The 1988 Hargeisa-Burao offensive of the Somaliland War of Independence
Date 31 May 1988 - December 5, 1989 Location Hargeisa, Somaliland Result SNM victory SNM forces capture the city aside from Hargeisa Airport by 1 June 1988 Succesfull 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”

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

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

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.

Aftermath

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.

Significance

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.

External links

• [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)