Battle of Cadaadley

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Battle of Cadaadley
Part of 1988 Hargeisa-Burao offensive of the Somaliland War of Independence
Somaliland, fighters of the Somali National Movement (SNM), 1980s.jpg
SNM fighters in Cadaadley
Date29 May 1988 [1]
Location
Cadaadley, near Hargeisa, Somaliland [2]
Result SNM victory [3]
Belligerents
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Somali National Movement [4] Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia [5]
Commanders and leaders
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Mohamed Farah Dalmar Yusuf
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Colonel Xuseen Dheere [6] 		Flag of Somalia.svg Lieutenant General Kaahiye  † [7]
Strength
3 brigades [8] 1 division [9]
Casualties and losses
Unknown [10] Heavy [11]

The Battle of Cadaadley occurred on 29 May 1988 during the Somali Civil War, marking a significant offensive by the Somali National Movement (SNM) against the Somali National Army (SNA). This engagement was part of a broader campaign launched by the SNM across multiple fronts, including Hargeisa and Burco, to destabilize the Somali government’s control in the northern regions. [12] [13]

Contents

Background

In 1988, the SNM intensified its guerrilla warfare operations against the Somali regime, transitioning into large-scale offensives aimed at liberating strategic towns. The SNM's leadership strategically planned simultaneous attacks on key locations, with Cadaadley, located approximately 90 km east of Hargeisa , being a focal point due to its military significance. [14] [15]

The Battle

The SNM launched a surprise attack on the SNA garrison in Cadaadley using three brigades led by commanders such as Colonel Xuseen Dheere. [16] [17] Their assault targeted SNA positions, leveraging extensive reconnaissance and coordination. The SNA defended the garrison with a full division commanded by General Kaahiye, but the SNM’s strategic advantage and determination overwhelmed the government forces. [18]

Aftermath

The SNM emerged victorious, inflicting heavy casualties on the SNA and seizing critical assets. The defeat demoralized the SNA leadership, and General Kaahiye, reportedly unable to reconcile with the loss, took his own life shortly after the battle. [19] This victory bolstered the SNM's momentum, enabling subsequent successes in Hargeisa and Burco, and further weakening the Somali regime's grip on Somaliland. [20]

References

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