After the collapse of centralized govenment in 1991, individual tribal clans became the governing apparatus in local areas throughout Somalia.*
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Armed with 20th century firearms so generously provided by the world superpowers, the Somali clans warred with each other and their fellow countrymen to control food and territory.  Anarchy reigned.*
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"Technicals" or modified trucks of all shapes and sizes mounting assorted weapons gradually replaced obsolete and unmaintained tanks and APCs as clan militiamen roamed the countyside exacting "taxes" of food and clothing from all who passed by.      