On September 26, 1993, a violent battle took place between U.S. military forces and Somali militia groups in Mogadishu, Somalia. The battle was part of Operation Restore Hope, aimed at stabilizing Somalia after years of civil war. U.S. forces were ambushed while attempting to capture a warlords top aides, leading to the deaths of 18 American soldiers. The battle, which lasted for hours, caused significant casualties on both sides and highlighted the dangers of military intervention in unstable regions. It also became the basis for the film Black Hawk Down.