3 Oct 1993, 2 US Blackhawk helicopters shot down by Somalis in Mogadishu. In recovery operation US Rangers were surrounded by Somalis. Indian & Italian armies refused to support US Rangers. Pakistan Army led part of operation, fought bravely & safely recovered over 40 US Rangers. 
During planning of rescue operation, the US Rangers sought tank support for their ground rescue operation from Indian & Italian army contingents in Somalia as their tanks had night fighting capability. Both the armies refused to support the US Forces at this critical hour.
Though US contingent knew that 1952 vintage M48 tanks given to Pakistan by UN did not have night vision capability, when they requested for Pakistani help, Pak Army readily consented and ordered concerned forces to provide all-out support to American troops in their hour of need.
Operation started at 23:30, led by tanks of Pak 19 Lancers & troops of Pak 15 Frontier Force, fighting throughout the night. Led multi-national forces through Mogadishu's narrow streets under intense fire from all directions & boldly and bravely arrived at the target area.
On reaching the target, Pakistan Army effectively cordoned-off objective area & also provided intimate fire support to surrounded US troops in their rescue effort. Early next morning when withdrawal of US troops commenced, Somali militia destroyed some troop carrying vehicles.
At this critical moment, while under fire, Pakistani troops accommodated about 40 US soldiers in their Armoured Personnel Carriers and some US soldiers were even lodged inside the tanks. A left behind injured US soldier in the ensuing battle was also rescued by Pakistani troops.
Pakistan Army continued to provide support to the withdrawing US forces till the whole contingent reached the safety of Pakistani camp on 5 October 1993.
Battle Casualties
US-18 Killed 73
Wounded
Malaysia-1 Shaheed
Pakistan-1 Injured
Battle Casualties
US-18 Killed 73
Wounded
Malaysia-1 Shaheed
Pakistan-1 Injured
Copy of signal message from General Joseph P. Hoar, Commander US Central Command to Pakistan Army Chief, acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan Army's brave effort to support US Army in Mogadishu, Somalia.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
