On 15 October 1969, while paying a visit to the northern town of Las Anod, Somalia's then President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was shot dead by one of his own bodyguards. His assassination was quickly followed by a military coup d'état on 21 October 1969 (the day after his funeral), in which the Somali Army seized power without encountering armed opposition — essentially a bloodless takeover. The putsch was spearheaded by Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, who at the time commanded the army. COUNT 5
QSN1 On what date was Abdirashid Ali Shermarke assassinated? ANS1 15 October 1969 QSN2 Who assassinated Abdirashid Ali Shermarke? ANS2 one of his own bodyguards QSN3 On what day, the day after the funeral of Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, did a coup occur? ANS3 21 October 1969 QSN4 Who was the commander of the army when the coup occurred? ANS4 Mohamed Siad Barre QSN5 What was Mohamed Siad Barre's rank? ANS5 Major General