Abdikarim’s Divided Position

This flow traces an embassy employee’s movement from international employment toward sympathy with his clan’s resistance.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A New Kind of Work

An Interpreter of Two Worlds Employment at the Compound Abdikarim Mohamud worked for a company supporting the United Nations mission. The job allowed him to use his English and initially accompanied hope in international involvement. Growing Disillusionment Attacks on Habr Gidir leaders and the deaths of clan members changed his view. He continued his work but began passing information to his community.

Watching the Raid Approach

Foreknowledge and Fear Anticipating the Operation Abdikarim knew the Americans were heading toward Bakara Market and expected vehicles to extract the assault force. Militiamen began preparing roadblocks before the Rangers descended. Compromised Neutrality His knowledge put him between his employer's operation and the community he identified with. The coming battle made that divided position more dangerous.

Searching the Streets

A Civilian Enters the Fight Zone Seeking News After returning home amid gunfire, Abdikarim went toward the market to learn what had happened to relatives. He encountered dead civilians and an injured American soldier. Retreat to Shelter A helicopter fired down an alley as armed Somalis moved toward the American position. Abdikarim escaped into a friend's house and spent the night there while the battle continued.

Before July 1993

October 3, 1993, before the assault

October 3, 1993, late afternoon and night