Battle of Mogadishu Success or Failure?

In the military's eyes the Battle of Mogadishu was a failure but was it? The objective was to go in and capture two high value warlords and was done but with complications. The operation was supposed to be a quick hit and run raid but after two black hawks were shot down, the enemy had time to prepare the rest of their militia and quickly the hit and run became a all out firefight in the streets of Mogadishu. This resulted in 18 Americans soldiers dead and 73 wounded. The military has declared the operation a failure due to their strict standards but many Americans disagree.

I personally believe that the operation was a failure due to the fact so many soldiers were wounded and killed during what was supposed to be a quick raid that would have most likely had a significantly lower number of casualties. The argument on the opposing side is the mission was technically accomplished. Also, the soldiers were not provided with the proper heavy equipment and was what the military officially blames it on. The man in charge General Garrison accepted all responsibility for the operation even though his soldiers have described him as the finest leader they could have had.

As to whether or not it was a failure, officially it was but as much as our government doesn't tell us and distorts info who's to know. The objective was accomplished but at much to great of a cost. I believe the mission was a failure.

Thanks for reading,

Thomas Arnold