Battle of the Mountains

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Battle of the Mountains
Part of Somaliland War of Independence
DateNovember 25, 1984
Location
Sheikh Mountains and Ga’an Libah Mountains
Result Somali victory
Belligerents
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Somali National Movement Flag of Somalia.svg Somalia
Commanders and leaders
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Mohamed Ali
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Abdullahi Askar
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Mohamed Kahin Ahmed
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Ibrahim Dhagahweyne
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Muse Bihi
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Maxamed Ibraahim Cismaan
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Cabdillaahi Axmed Dhimbiil 
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Cabdi-weli Cabdi Caabbi (WIA)
Flag of the Somali National Movement.svg Maxamed Cabdi Ibraahim 
Flag of Somalia.svg General Hashi Gani
Flag of Somalia.svg Gen Jihaad 

The Battle of the Mountains (Somali: *Dagaalkii Buuraha*) took place on November 25, 1984, during the Somali Civil War. The conflict was a key confrontation between the Somali National Movement (SNM) and the Somali government forces under President Siad Barre. The SNM launched an assault on the mountainous regions of Somaliland, aiming to resist the oppressive regime and secure the region's autonomy. [1]

Contents

Background

The SNM, formed as a response to Siad Barre's authoritarian rule, sought to challenge the government's control over northern Somalia. The battle was part of a broader struggle for independence and autonomy, particularly for Somaliland, which was seeking to separate from the rest of Somalia. [2]

The battle

The battle was fought across several fronts:

Encirclement and Retreat

During the battle, the SNM fighters, many of whom were civilians such as teachers, students, and businessmen, found themselves surrounded by government troops. The government forces utilized air surveillance and helicopters to target the SNM positions. As night fell, the SNM fighters were forced to retreat to higher ground, where they regrouped in the dark.

In the early hours of the morning, 36 SNM soldiers managed to break free from the government's encirclement and continued their fight eventually retreating. [1]

Aftermath

The Battle of the Mountains was a significant loss for the SNM, whereas they suffered significant losses whilst their counterparts only lost a small fraction of their force. Despite the loss, the SNM would continue the larger struggle for Somaliland's independence and autonomy throughout the following years. This battle also highlighted the resilience of the SNM fighters, many of whom were ordinary civilians mobilized against the government's brutal repression. [2]

References

  1. 1 2 "Dagaal Dublamaasiyadeed Oo Mar kale Ka Dhexqarxay SNM iyo Faqash". hadhwanaagnews.ca. July 11, 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 "Dagaalkii Burco Duurray iyo Dagaalkii Buuraha".
  3. 1 2 "Dagaalkii Burco-Duurray 17/10/1984 W/Q:Cali Cabdi Coomay!". October 17, 2019.