Adam Byrd: “Today, March 25, 1994, Maj. Gen. Thomas Montgomery, U.S. Army, officially ended United States participation in the…”

“Today, March 25, 1994, Maj. Gen. Thomas Montgomery, U.S. Army, officially ended United States participation in the United Nations operation in Somalia. As the last of our combat and logistics forces withdraw from that troubled nation, we should pause to commend them for performing a difficult mission with professionalism, valor, and heroism. In December 1992, President Bush announced the deployment of U.S. forces on a humanitarian mission to ensure that relief convoys could deliver food to tens of thousands of starving Somalis suffering the combined effects of famine and war. After almost 2 years of constant civil strife, all authority in Somalia had broken down and anarchy reigned, making it impossible for relief agencies to meet the basic human needs of the Somali people. Finally, the world decided to act, and, here in the United States, the President's decision to join the effort enjoyed broad support. We all know the unfortunate events that occurred between December 1992 and October 1993. This noble humanitarian mission degenerated into a foolish and fatal game of cat and mouse between the United Nations and General Aideed. During this time, 29 U.S. soldiers died and at least 170 more were injured. The futility of the policy became increasingly apparent. The final straw came on October 3, 1993, when 18 U.S. soldiers died in a firefight with Aideed's forces. President Clinton quickly announced that all U.S. troops would leave Somalia by March 31, 1994.”