The Raid Unravels

This flow follows the daylight capture mission as a fast, controlled operation becomes a citywide fight for survival.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Irene Launches

A Planned Raid Mission Design The force launched from Mogadishu Airport Base to seize two lieutenants at Mohamed Hassan Awale's Target House. Rangers would secure the surrounding block while a ground convoy collected the prisoners. Confidence at Liftoff The crews expected a brief operation. Their daylight assault carried significant risk, but the plan relied on speed, helicopter support, and a quick return to base.

Blackhawk Down

The First Crash A Sudden Loss An RPG struck Super 61 over Mogadishu, and the aircraft spun into an alley. The crash turned the mission from a prisoner seizure into an urgent rescue effort. The Plan Changes Rangers and commandos moved toward the wreck while commanders tried to redirect the ground convoy. The aircraft that had shielded the troops had become the reason they could not leave.

A Citywide Fight

The Mission Spreads A Second Crash Super 64 was hit while Michael Durant attempted to leave the area. Its fall created another isolated emergency far from the first crash site. No Simple Extraction The original mission had become multiple rescue operations amid growing enemy fire. Each delay exposed more soldiers and further weakened the prospect of a quick withdrawal.

October 3, 1993, 3:32 p.m.

October 3, 1993, shortly after 4 p.m.

October 3, 1993, late afternoon