The Somali National Movement (SNM), a political and military organization aiming for the independence of Somaliland, executed a substantial offensive in the towns of Hargeisa and Burao. This offensive marked a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict between the SNM and the Siad Barre-led Somali government. The purpose of this military action was to liberate the northern regions from what the SNM described as oppressive central government rule. The operation involved a coordinated attack on government installations and military positions, aiming to secure control of strategic urban areas and rally popular support among the local population.

The SNM's campaign was part of a broader context of unrest and resistance that characterized Somalia in the 1980s, with various factions and movements emerging due to discontent with the authoritarian regime of Siad Barre. Residents of the northern regions faced significant marginalization, economic decline, and violent repression, which fueled the desire for autonomy and self-determination. The offensive resulted in significant civilian and military casualties, extensive destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of the local population as the fighting escalated.

The attack on Hargeisa and Burao represented both a tactical shift in the SNM's strategy and a pivotal moment in the Somali War of Independence. It showcased the determination of the SNM to assert Somaliland's identity and pursue its goal of establishing an independent state, separate from the rest of Somalia. As the conflict progressed, the dynamics between the SNM and the government forces continued to evolve, leading to further military engagements and political developments in the region.