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Operation United Shield was initiated as a response to the Black Hawk Down incident, which occurred during the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993. This operation aimed to ensure a safe extraction of U.S. and allied forces from Somalia after the disastrous events that highlighted the challenges and dangers of U.S. involvement in the civil conflict there. The Black Hawk Down incident specifically involved the downing of two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters and subsequent intense fighting, resulting in significant American casualties.

The decision to launch Operation United Shield demonstrated a strategic shift in U.S. military policy in Somalia, focusing on withdrawing U.S. troops safely and addressing the humanitarian crisis without further escalating military involvement. This context is essential in understanding why the operation was closely associated with the events of the Black Hawk Down incident, as it directly correlated with the need to protect remaining forces and civilians in a volatile environment.