Battle of Mogadishu (2006)

Second Battle of Mogadishu
Part of the Advance of the Islamic Courts Union
Location of Mogadishu in Somalia
Date 7 May – 11 July 2006 Location Mogadishu, Somalia Result Islamic Courts Union victory
Belligerents
Islamic Courts Union	Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism
Commanders and leaders
Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Hassan Dahir Aweys	Mohamed Qanyare Musa Sudi Yalahow Nuur Daqle
Strength
unknown	unknown
Casualties and losses
Over 350 deaths[1]

The Second Battle of Mogadishu was fought for control of Somalia's capital city, Mogadishu. The opposing forces were the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT), and militia loyal to the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The conflict began in mid-February 2006, when Somali warlords formed the ARPCT to challenge the ICU's emerging influence. The ICU's influence was largely generated by wealthy financial donors who sought to enable the Islamic Courts Union to seize power in the country to bring stability.^[2] The battle is referred to as the Second Battle to distinguish it amongst the nine major Battles of Mogadishu during the decades-long Somali Civil War.

It was found after the battle that the United States was supporting the ARPCT^[3] due to concerns that the ICU had ties to al-Qaeda.^[4] The ICU militia won control of Mogadishu and ARPCT forces left the city.