Italian Forces Capture Berbera in Somaliland

The capture of Berbera marked a pivotal moment in the Italian campaign in British Somaliland. Italian forces successfully took control of Berbera, the capital of the British colony, leading to the retreat of British defenders to Aden. This event signified the completion of the Italian invasion of British Somaliland, which had been a strategic objective for Italy. Following the fall of Berbera, Italian control expanded rapidly, encompassing the entirety of British Somaliland and several key towns and forts along the borders with Sudan and Kenya, including Kassala, Gallabat, and Moyale. This territorial gain not only solidified Italian presence in the region but also disrupted British colonial interests in East Africa, altering the balance of power in the area.