The famous Battle of Mogadishu ended on this day 24 years ago in Somalia.
The battle began on Oct. 3, 1993 when American military forces launched Operation Gothic Serpent in the capital of the war-torn country. The original objective was to capture leadership members in the crew of warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. However, two Black Hawk helicopters were shot down, and the mission objective turned from capture to rescue and protection.
Delta Force snipers Gary Gordon and Randall Shughart were killed while holding off a massive attack force to protect downed pilot Mike Durant. Both were later awarded the Medal of Honor.
The battle finally ended on Oct. 4, when American forces pulled back. Several men evacuated by running the infamous “Mogadishu Mile.”
When it was all said and done, 19 American military members were killed, and many more were wounded. The battle also resulted in the hit blockbuster movie “Black Hawk Down.”
It’s without a doubt one of the darkest moments in American history, and it changed our country’s policy in Africa for years to come.
The battle also showed the strength and spirit of American military forces. Shughart and Gordon inserted themselves into a hopeless situation with the intent of saving Durant, who was eventually captured and released.
The movie is a must-watch war film if you haven’t already seen it. One of the best war movies made in the last 25 years.