I got many family who were part of the government and military in the late 80s when the government began to dramatic collapse. Here is a brief history.
Government institutions and the military were basically still strong by 1986 despite facing Ethiopian backed rebel groups.
-in mid 1986, Barre gets into a life threatening accident in Mogadishu.
-Much of the army is in the north to deal with the SNM rebels who are heavily outnumbered. As many as 30k government troops against 3k SNM rebels.
-The accident and barres poor health boldens the rebels and further demoralizes the army whose top leadership by now is mainly MOD colonels but the foot soldiers were mostly from all clans.
-Between 86 and 88, the war in the north escalates and there are mass desertions by soldiers who are horrified by the brutality of the conflict. SNM gains the upper hand and take control of portions of hargeysa and other towns.
- Government troops withdraw to city outskirts and a General bombardment of hargeysa is carried out by the regime.
-By now what was basically the Somali army disintegrates and soldiers begin fighting Each other. It becomes Dir,Hawiye & mj vs Red berets who are mainly marexan and Ogaden.
- Red berets withdraw to protect the south and the capital against USC rebels.
-In late 1989, to the surprise of many, Ogaden soldiers turn against Barre after conflict over land in kismayo between marexan and Ogaden
-Barre by now with the remaining loyal marexan soldiers controls only the capital and surrounding.
-in 1991, USC manage to enter Xamar and overthrow Siyad Barre.
-Barre, Morgan and his loyal troops regroup in gedo region.
-Barre is exiled and dies in Nigeria in 1996
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