80. Telegram From the Embassy in Somalia to the Department of State and the Embassy in Kenya1
751. Dept also pass Horn of Africa Collective. Subj: Attempted Coup d’Etat in Mogadiscio.
1. It appears now that Siad has been successful in countering the attempted coup against him this morning. The attempt seems to have been started by some low-ranking officers at a camp north of the city. They attempted to seize control of key points in Mogadiscio but were routed by forces loyal to Siad. Embassy observer reports it is now quiet west of Mogadiscio on the Afgoi road where earlier there was fighting and a number of casualties.
2. Egyptian military attache just returned (0800Z) from a circuit of the military camps and Ministry of Defense hqtrs north of the city and reported remnants of the mutinous units are now being mopped up by loyal forces. Halim also told us he saw the Soviet Ambassador this morning coming from a meeting with Siad and looking very gloomy.
3. Presidential aide Omar Salim phoned DCM at 0830Z and said President Siad was in firm control of the govt. Salim said that Siad was in good health, and the govt was functioning.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780159–0562. Confidential; Niact Immediate.↩