Gode, Ethiopia

History

During the 1960s, the Ethiopian government undertook several development projects in Gode, including irrigation, infrastructure and irrigation projects. However, attacks by the Western Somali Liberation Front (WSLF) on French hydrologists resulted in the programme being scrapped.

Before the start of the Ogaden War, Gode was garrisoned by the 5th brigade of the 4th division of the Ethiopian Army, distributed around the town in five military camps. Gode was captured by the WSLF near the end of July 1977 during the Ogaden War, preceding subsequent Somoli advances toward Jijiga.

The initial assault began at 3:00, when two Somali National Army (SNA) armoured and three mechanised brigades under the command of Colonel Abdillahi Askar launched their attack in the Ogaden at the direction of the city of Gode. Despite the 5th Ethiopian Brigade's defence of the town coming with success in the coming days they suffered heavily from air raids and Somali artillery, and Gode was captured by the Somalis on July 25. Without artillery or air support to cover their retreat, the Ethiopian defenders were effectively annihilated, with two entire Ethiopian divisions destroyed and only 489 out of the 2,350 militiamen managing to return to Harar, the rest presumed dead. Abdillahi earned himself the nickname the 'Lion of Gode' for his success.

From the History section of Gode on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.