The Somali National Front (SNF) (Somali: Dhaqdhaqaaqa Jabhada Soomaliyeed) was a politico-military organization that operated in southern Somalia during the Somali Civil War and represented one of the major factions involved in the conflict. After its creation following the collapse of President Siyaad Barre's government in 1991, the SNF was largely made up of remnants of the Somali National Army, along with splinter groups from the Somali Democratic Movement (SDM) and supporters of Barre. The SNF would eventually merge into the internationally recognized Transitional National Government of Somalia in 2001. History Origins (1991 to 1993) After the fall of President Mohamed Siad Barre's government in 1991, many members of his Marehan sub-clan faced collective punishment and war crimes at the hands of anti-Barre rebel groups, particularly the United Somali Congress (USC). As a result, large numbers of the clan were forced to flee central Somalia, including the capital city of Mogadishu, and seek refuge in Gedo region bordering Kenya. Soon after the exodus, the Somali National Front (SNF) was formed. Initially it was made up of loyalists to former Siad Barre and remnants of the Somali National Army. The intent behind its formation was to incorporate the major Darod clans into the faction, recapture Mogadishu and reinstate Barre's regime. The SNF appealed to clan unity as a reason to join the organizations struggle, and this appeal was further strengthened by the indiscriminate killings of Somalis belonging Darod sub-clans that were perceived as being associated with the regime of the former president. These killings, carried out by rebel factions like the USC, led to a sense of solidarity among members of the Darod clan and consequently resulted in many rallying under the banner of the SNF. In its first years the organization possessed approximately 9000 troops, seven T54/T55 tanks and eighteen 122 mm artillery pieces. Governance For most of the civil war, the SNF governed and conducted operations in the Gedo region of southern Somalia. In an effort to restore order in the area, the SNF supported the creation of an Islamic Sharia court to resolve disputes and a police force to maintain order. As a result, a relatively effective governing administration was established in the region. The SNF's political leadership, led by former Defense Minister General Omar Haji Masallah, was based in Nairobi, Kenya, while the military wing was led by General Mohammed Hashi Ghani based in the city of