The Somali Collapse starts in 1986 when Siad Barre begins attacking clan-based dissident groups opposed to his rule with his special forces, the Red Berets" (Duub Cas).

The dissidents had been gaining strength for nearly a decade following his abrupt switch of allegiance from the USSR to the United States and the disastrous Ogaden War of 1977-1978.

When Barre is injured in an automobile accident on May 23, 1986, rivals within Barre's own government and revolutionary groups become bolder and enter into open conflict.The revolution, if it can justly be called that.

is broken into two distinct phases.

May 23, 1986 - January 26, 1991 sees events and revolutionary movements prior to the fall of Siad Barre.

January 26, 1991 - April 1992 cover events and revolutionary movements after Siad Barre's fall, but before the advent of the UN missions to Somalia (UNOSOM I, UNITAF, UNOSOM II) and Operation Restore Hope.