Türkiye doubles troops in Somalia amid al-Shabab offensive: Report
Turkish soldiers at NATO's largest annual maritime drill, Exercise Dynamic Mariner / Flotex 25, in the Gulf of Cadiz off southern Spain on March 28, 2025. (AA Photo)
Türkiye has nearly doubled its military presence in Somalia this week, deploying around 500 additional soldiers after terrorist group al-Shabab’s recent territorial gains near Mogadishu, according to sources speaking to Middle East Eye.
The deployment comes as al-Shabab captured several villages south of the Somali capital last month. These strategic areas serve as a vital buffer zone for defending Mogadishu against terrorist attacks, including car bombings.
Türkiye deploys commandos, advanced drones
The newly deployed Turkish forces have reportedly been tasked with protecting and maintaining the TURKSOM military base, operating armed drones, and securing Mogadishu’s ports.
Sources told Middle East Eye that around 300 Turkish commandos have been assigned to protect Turkish facilities and assist in training Somali forces, while an additional 200 personnel have been dedicated to enhancing drone operations.
Türkiye has also introduced two Akinci drones to Somalia, complementing the previously operational TB2 Bayraktar drones. The Akinci drones are capable of long-endurance flights and equipped with advanced night vision, making them more effective against al-Shabab.
“Akinci drones are more suitable for targeting al-Shabab, which primarily operates at night to avoid detection,” a regional source told Middle East Eye.
Al-Shabab targets strategic Somali army base
Meanwhile, a terrorist group launched a pre-dawn attack on Thursday against a strategic Somali army base in Wargaadhi village, located in the Middle Shabelle region of south-central Hirshabelle state.
According to a security official who spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity, the Somali National Army, supported by local militias, engaged in fierce combat with al-Shabab members, resulting in multiple casualties on both sides.
Despite al-Shabab’s claim that it had overrun the base and captured the village, the Somali Defense Ministry said in a statement, “Wargaadhi remains fully under the control of the Somali National Army and local forces.”
Wargaadhi is considered the second-largest military base for Somali forces in the Middle Shabelle region after Adan Yabaal, another strategic town previously seized by al-Shabab. The village holds key geographical importance, connecting army bases in Eel-Dheer and Masagaway in the central state of Galmudug.
Al-Shabab has intensified its attacks on Somali government forces and strategic military positions in Middle Shabelle since the beginning of Ramadan last month.
Turkish strategy focuses on protection and training
Despite the expanded presence, Turkish officials stress that their forces will not directly engage al-Shabab unless necessary.
“The Turkish troops are there solely to protect Turkish assets and to train and advise Somali forces. They will only engage Al-Shabab if necessary and in self-defense,” a Turkish source told Middle East Eye.
Another Turkish official noted that Turkish aerial operations in Somalia are coordinated with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), as Somali airspace is currently controlled by the U.S. military.
“The US military occasionally requests our assistance in targeting operations,” the official added, dismissing reports of friction between Ankara and Washington.
Deepening Türkiye-Somalia relations
Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia began with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s humanitarian visit to Mogadishu in 2011. Since then, relations have evolved into a broad commercial and security partnership.
Turkish companies operate Mogadishu’s airport and seaport, and Turkish state-owned oil firms are engaged in energy exploration both on land and at sea, supported by Turkish naval forces. Ankara has also pledged to assist in protecting Somali territorial waters and developing maritime resources, particularly fisheries.
Following al-Shabab’s strategic advances in March, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ankara for a closed-door meeting with President Erdogan and Somalia’s then-defense minister.
The contents of the meeting remain undisclosed but have fueled speculation about Ankara’s future support to Somalia.
No immediate plans for direct engagement
Despite reports suggesting that Türkiye handed over T-129 attack helicopters to Somalia, a Somali source told Middle East Eye that Somali pilots are still undergoing training in Türkiye, with their training expected to conclude in the next two months.
A regional source also indicated that Türkiye plans to continue deploying Somali troops trained in Isparta and Izmir, while Qatari aircraft recently delivered additional ammunition to Mogadishu.
“Türkiye is expected to deploy more drones and offer artillery support if necessary,” the source added.
