The U.S.'s Honeymoon Is Over

Coalition forces face the reality of Somalia's convoluted conflict

JUST AS AMERICANS WERE LAYING PLANS TO PART company on the best of terms, the scene in Somalia turned nasty. On Wednesday demonstrators set up burning roadblocks along the main thoroughfares in Mogadishu and pelted passing U.S. servicemen with chunks of concrete. Banners paraded past the Marine base at the old American embassy read THIS IS SOMALI SAND NOT AMERICAN SAND. Later in the week, fierce fire fights erupted in several parts of the city between UNITAF (Unified Task Force) troops and Somalis thought to be loyal to General Mohammed Farrah Aidid, leaving five American servicemen and two Nigerians injured and...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!