Operation Restore Hope was launched as a response to the humanitarian crisis in Somalia resulting from years of civil war and drought that led to widespread famine. The United Nations recognized the urgent need for international assistance and authorized a multi-national force to intervene. On December 9, 1992, American troops made their first landing in Mogadishu, marking a significant escalation in the U.S. involvement in the crisis. The primary goal of this operation was to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and to stabilize the region by providing security for relief efforts. The operation was spearheaded by President George H.W. Bush's administration, which viewed the mission as a necessary response to the escalating suffering of the Somali people.

The American landing in Somalia was marked by enthusiasm among some segments of the Somali population, who viewed the intervention as a potential solution to their dire conditions. However, the situation was complex, as various warlord factions operated in the region, complicating the delivery of aid and the stabilization of order. The U.S. troops were part of a larger multinational force, which included contributions from several other nations, with the objective not only to distribute food but also to help restore some semblance of peace in a country ravaged by conflict.

As the operation unfolded, it quickly became apparent that the challenges were formidable. While initial attempts to distribute aid were met with success, the volatility of the situation highlighted the difficulties of military intervention in a civil conflict. By early 1993, engagements between U.S. forces and local warlords escalated, culminating in a series of events that would lead to a more prolonged military involvement and ultimately impact U.S. foreign policy in the region for years to come.