1978 Somali coup attempt

1978 Somali coup d'état attempt
Part of the Cold War

Location of Somalia within the African Union.
Date9 April 1978; 46 years ago (1978-04-09)
Location
Result

Coup attempt fails

Belligerents
Government of the Somali Democratic Republic

Military faction
Alleged support:

Commanders and leaders
Siad Barre Mohamed Osman Irro
Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed
Strength
24 officers[1]
2,000 soldiers[1]
65 tanks[1]
Casualties and losses
17 plotters executed.

The 1978 Somali coup d'état attempt was a violent military coup attempt that took place in Somalia (then Somali Democratic Republic) on 9 April 1978,[2] against the regime of President Siad Barre. The United States Central Intelligence Agency estimated that the coup, led by Colonel Mohamed Osman Irro, involved around 24 officers, 2,000 soldiers, and 65 tanks. Following the failed coup, 17 alleged ringleaders, including Osman, were summarily executed by firing squad.

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference CIA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Coup in Ethiopia Seems to Be a Failure, Diplomats Say". The Washington Post. 10 April 1978. Retrieved 15 June 2020.