The battle involved British colonial forces, led by Colonel Swayne, and Somali troops (known as Dervishes) under the command of Haji Muhammad Abdullah Hassan.

The British forces were on a mission to locate Hassan, who was known as "the Mad Mullah" for his resistance to colonial rule.

However, the Dervishes launched an attack from the rear that cut off Colonel Swayne's communication with the coast, destroyed the Zariba on which he relied for supplies, and ultimately forced him to retreat.

[10] In response, the House of Commons offered Muhammad Abdullah Hassan $15,000 per year on the condition that he cease the war.

Frederick Quelch who fought in Somaliland, reported:"If the Mad Mollah wins a victory, the other Mohammedans are at once more impressed with the divine character of his leadership, and they flock to his standard where they might otherwise have remained passive.

The recent victory of the Mad Mollah over Colonel Swayne's detachment presages, therefore, large fanatic hordes to his forces.