Türkiye has expanded its military presence in Somalia, deploying additional troops and equipment as Al-Shabab’s recent advances near Mogadishu raise serious concerns about the security situation.
Nearly 500 Turkish soldiers arrived this week, almost doubling the number of Türkiye’s military personnel in Somalia. Their mission includes protecting key Turkish installations such as the Turksom military base and Mogadishu’s airport and port, as well as operating armed drones.
Türkiye’s engagement with Somalia, which began as a humanitarian initiative in 2011, has evolved into a deep economic and security partnership. Turkish companies now manage vital Somali infrastructure, while Turkish naval forces assist with offshore security and energy exploration.
Following Al-Shabab’s territorial gains in central Somalia, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently traveled to Ankara for a private meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Though official details were not disclosed, expectations are high for increased Turkish support to Somalia’s stabilization efforts.
According to a report by Middle East Eye, Türkiye has deployed advanced Akinci drones to Somalia alongside the existing Bayraktar TB2 drones. These high-end drones, equipped with advanced night vision and long-endurance capabilities, are seen as crucial tools to counter Al-Shabab fighters who mainly operate at night.
Despite the reinforcements, Turkish officials insist that their troops will not engage directly with Al-Shabab unless necessary for self-defense. Their primary focus remains the protection of Turkish interests and training Somali security forces. Any combat operation would require formal authorization from the Turkish Parliament.
Coordination with the U.S. Africa Command (Africom) continues, as Somali airspace remains under U.S. monitoring, and Turkish aerial missions are conducted in close cooperation with American forces.
Meanwhile, reports about the delivery of Turkish T-129 attack helicopters to Somalia were denied by Somali sources, confirming that Somali pilots are still completing their training in Türkiye and are expected to graduate in the coming months.
Türkiye also plans to send more drones, ammunition, and trained Somali forces to reinforce the Somali National Army if needed, as both countries brace for an intensified fight against extremist threats.