UNOSOM II is spelled as /juːnəsɒm tuː/. This acronym stands for United Nations Operation in Somalia II. The word "UNOSOM" is composed of the initial letters of the words "United Nations Operation in Somalia." Meanwhile, the "II" denotes that it is the second operation conducted by the United Nations. The phonetic transcription highlights the stress in the first syllable (/juː/), the glottal stop in the second syllable (/nə/), and the short "o" sound in the third syllable (/sɒm/).
UNOSOM II, short for United Nations Operation in Somalia II, was a United Nations peacekeeping mission established in Somalia in 1993. It was the second such operation following UNOSOM I, which aimed to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and restore stability in the war-torn country.
UNOSOM II was authorized by the United Nations Security Council under Resolution 814 and operated from March 1993 to March 1995. Its main objectives were to promote and monitor the implementation of a ceasefire agreement, assist in the reconciliation process among warring factions, protect unarmed civilians, provide security for humanitarian personnel and supplies, and support efforts to rebuild and reestablish a functioning government in Somalia.
The mission was comprised of military contingents from various countries, with a leadership office responsible for coordinating activities and liaising with Somali factions. UNOSOM II faced numerous challenges during its tenure due to the complex and volatile situation on the ground. It operated in an environment characterized by factional fighting, warlord-controlled territories, and lack of central governance.
While UNOSOM II achieved some success in delivering humanitarian aid and protecting civilians, it faced significant obstacles in implementing its broader goals of restoring long-term peace and stability. The mission was eventually plagued by local resistance, resulting in high casualty rates among the peacekeepers. In March 1995, following a withdrawal order from the Security Council, UNOSOM II was officially terminated, ending the United Nations' direct involvement in Somalia at the time.