10th October 1993 U.S. Army soldiers stand next to their M577A1 Bradley command post armoured vehicles. They have just arrived at Mogadishu Airport in Somalia.

10th October 1993 U.S. Army soldiers stand next to their M577A1 Bradley command post armoured vehicles. They have just arrived at Mogadishu Airport in Somalia.

Johnny Saunderson / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID: RBJ6N2

On December 3rd 1992, UN Security Resolution 794 authorised the US-led intervention "to use all necessary means to establish a secure environment for humanitarian relief operations in Somalia as soon as possible." The US military participated in Operation Continue Hope in Somalia from 3rd December 1992 to 4th May 1993. On 4th May 1993 the UN-led operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II) assumed responsibility for operations and the mission became known as Operation Continue Hope. American soldiers completely withdrew from Somalia on March 3rd 1994. Other western nations, such as Italy, Belgium, France and Sweden, also decided to withdraw at this time. On November 4th 1994, after "peacemaking" efforts by the 1,900 UNOSOM II troops failed, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) voted unanimously to withdraw all forces in Resolution 954. On November 16th, the UNSC authorised Resolution 897, placing new emphasis on peacemaking and reconstruction and returning to a less reactive role. UNOSOM II's mandate ended in March 1995 when US ships off the coast of Somalia assisted in the safe departure of the remaining UNOSOM troops. The withdrawal of UN troops from Somalia was completed on March 28th 1995.

Location: Mogadishu Airport, Mogadishu, Somalia.