The campaign involved indiscriminate aerial bombardments and ground assaults on the cities of Hargeisa and Burao, resulting in large-scale destruction and civilian casualties.

[2] The Somali Civil War began in the late 1980s as opposition groups emerged against the military regime of Siad Barre.

The SNM, composed primarily of members of the Isaaq clan, sought to overthrow Barre's government and establish autonomy in the northern regions.

The city of Hargeisa, home to approximately 500,000 people at the time, faced heavy aerial bombardments by the Somali Air Force.

[6] The destruction resulted in widespread loss of civilian life and the death of Mohamed Ali, a key SNM leader who played a prominent role in the battle.