The26thDivision, (Somali:Qeybta 26aad), also known as theNorthern Division was one of fiveSomali National Army divisions. The 26th was responsible for northernSomalia and was headquartered in the city ofHargeisa.[1] In 1977, the division was responsible for theDire Dawa front in theOgaden War.[2]
During the Ogaden War the 26th's heavy equipment was composed ofT-54 main battle tanks,T-34's and 36BM-21 Grad artillery pieces.[3]
General Muhammed Hashi “Gaani,” related to then Somali PresidentSiyaad Barre’s second wife, was placed in charge of the 26th during 1980.[4]
In January 1984 the 9th Brigade of the 26th reportedly had a short livedmutiny inLas Anod District. Clandestine anti-government radio run by theSomali National Movement (SNM) claimed that heavy fighting had started across the district against loyalist forces after members of the 9th Brigade had been ordered to massacre and harass civilians. 10 officers from the unit claimed political asylum in the United States and the commander of the 9th, Abd al-Fatah Jama Amir, was claimed to have been killed in the confrontation.[5]
From 1986 to 1988, GeneralMohamed Said Hersi Morgan was the commander of the 26th Sector (the region of Somaliland) before being appointed Minister of Defense in September 1990. Divisions in the 26th Sector by this time included Division 1, Division 2 atHargeisa, 3, and 11.[6]
In 1988, the 26th possessed 90 operational tanks. By 1990 only 10 would be in working condition.[7]
^Radio Halgan, (Clandestine) (14 January 1984). "Soldiers Mutiny Rather Than 'Massacre' Civilians".Daily Report: Sub-Saharan Africa (84).Foreign Broadcast Information Service: 3 – viaReadex.
^Robinson, Colin D. (2019). "Glimpse into an Army at its Peak: Notes on the Somali National Army in the 1960-80s".Defence and Security Analysis.35 (4):423–429.doi:10.1080/14751798.2019.1675944.
Somalia