President George H. W. Bush made a decisive move on December 4, 1992, by ordering the deployment of 28,000 U.S. troops to Somalia in response to a worsening humanitarian crisis. The country was experiencing a complex emergency characterized by civil war, famine, and the collapse of effective governance. The humanitarian situation had become dire, with an estimated 300,000 people having died from starvation and violence. Various factions, including warlords and militia, were engaged in a power struggle, notably exacerbated by the breakdown of central authority after the overthrow of dictator Siad Barre in 1991.

The U.S. military's involvement came under the banner of Operation Restore Hope, an initiative undertaken by the United Nations aimed at delivering emergency relief to the people affected by chronic hunger and internal conflict. The mission was not only to provide humanitarian assistance but also to create a secure environment for aid workers to operate. The decision followed significant media coverage of the famine and suffering prevalent in Somalia, which focused global attention on the issue.

U.S. forces were expected to support and coalesce efforts to stabilize the country, facilitating the delivery of aid to millions of Somalis in need. The operation ultimately exemplified the challenges of international intervention in complex conflicts and raised questions about the efficacy of military solutions to humanitarian crises. As troops prepared to land in Mogadishu, the mission would soon evolve amidst rising tensions and escalating violence involving various Somali factions.