Turkey has deployed 500 troops to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, marking the initial phase of a planned 2,500-strong contingent aimed at strengthening the Somali government’s defenses against the growing threat posed by Al-Shabaab militants.
Two Turkish military transport aircraft delivered personnel and equipment to Mogadishu, where senior Somali defense officials welcomed the arriving forces. This deployment is part of Ankara’s expanding security partnership with Somalia, initiated at the request of the Somali government.
The soldiers, equipped with heavy weaponry and supported by Qatari military aircraft, landed at Aden Adde International Airport. They form the advance party of a larger force of up to 2,500 troops approved by Turkey’s parliament in July 2024 for a two-year mission.
The troop deployment follows a significant setback for Somali forces, as Al-Shabaab recently overran the central command base in Adan Yabal, located in the Middle Shabelle region. This assault came after the militant group advanced across dozens of towns and villages, heightening fears about its increasing control and influence in the region.
Last July, the Turkish parliament approved a Presidential motion to deploy the military in Somalia for two years to support security forces.
Turkish troops are expected to focus on securing key locations in Mogadishu, such as government buildings and critical infrastructure, as part of their mission. However, Turkey aims to avoid direct involvement in Somalia’s long-standing conflict, prioritizing support for stabilization efforts instead.
This military presence is a component of Turkey’s broader strategy to enhance the Somali army’s capabilities and foster long-term combat readiness. The deployment builds on a defense pact signed between Turkey and Somalia in February 2024, which was formalized in Ankara by Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur during an official military ceremony.
The agreement outlines cooperation in multiple areas, including counterterrorism efforts, military-financial aid, and joint training initiatives, reflecting a commitment to both nations’ security and regional stability.
Turkey’s engagement with Somalia’s security sector is not new. Since 2021, Turkey has been training Somali special forces and has established a military base in the country. More recently, the Turkish Navy warship TCG Kinaliada visited Mogadishu on April 23, signaling deepening ties. Following this, Turkey announced plans to deploy frigates to Somali waters to safeguard a Turkish energy research vessel.
This latest troop deployment further highlights Turkey’s dedication to supporting Somalia’s security framework while advancing its own strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.
Turkey has also delivered arms and is now considering committing troops on the ground. Turkey has also donated armoured vehicles like the Kirpi, logistics trucks, and other equipment to Somalia to help stabilize the country, and is also part of Turkeys drive to increase its influence in the region dominated by the United States and China.
