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An additional 500 Turkish forces, including drone operators and commandos, arrive to strengthen Somali security and push back terrorist advances.
Turkey is strengthening its military presence in Somalia by sending 500 additional troops. This move comes as the Somali government faces renewed threats from the al-Shabaab terrorist group, which has recently made gains in central Somalia.
The new Turkish deployment nearly triples its military personnel in Somalia, increasing the number from 300 to 800. This new group includes 300 commandos and 200 drone operation experts. Their mission is to support Somalia’s fight against terrorism, especially through the use of advanced drones and training Somali forces.
A key part of the deployment is the introduction of the Akinci drone. This is a powerful drone made in Turkey, equipped with night vision and capable of flying for up to 24 hours. It will help track and strike al-Shabaab targets, especially during nighttime operations, where the group tends to be more active.
According to a source familiar with Turkey’s operations, the troops are not there for combat unless necessary. Their main role is to protect Turkish interests and assist in training Somali forces. They will only fight al-Shabaab in self-defense or when absolutely needed.
Turkey’s expanded military support fits into Somalia’s broader Security Sector Development Plan. This plan aims to prepare Somalia to eventually manage its own security without relying heavily on foreign troops. Besides ground forces, Turkey has also pledged to protect Somalia’s waters and help the country develop its fishing industry and other offshore resources.
This move comes as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) faces delays. The mission is underfunded and lacks enough troops—about 8,000 short of its target. The United Nations, which funds 75% of AUSSOM’s budget, is now asking donors for an additional $41.6 million to keep the mission on track.
The 500 new Turkish soldiers will join Somali troops at Camp Turksom, Turkey’s military base in Mogadishu, the Somali capital. The base opened in 2017 and has since trained around 16,000 Somali soldiers, including elite units like the Gorgor Commandos and the Haramcad paramilitary police.
Turkey’s growing military role in Somalia follows an agreement signed in 2024. This deal allows Turkey to gradually increase its troop presence to as many as 2,500 by 2026. This long-term commitment highlights Turkey’s strategic interest in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
Turkish support is part of a larger international effort to defeat al-Shabaab. Over the years, joint military operations by Somali forces and international allies have pushed the group out of about one-third of the territory it once controlled in central Somalia.
However, al-Shabaab remains a serious threat. In mid-April, the group claimed to have captured the town of Adan Yabaal, located about 220 kilometers south of Mogadishu. This town is an important logistics hub for government troops. The Somali government disputed this claim, but it shows al-Shabaab’s continued ability to strike and hold territory.
Turkey’s increased involvement aims to help reverse these gains by al-Shabaab. Officials say more Turkish drones could be deployed, and artillery support could also be provided if necessary.
In summary, Turkey is stepping up to support Somalia at a time when both local and international forces are struggling to contain the al-Shabaab threat. With more troops, advanced drones, and ongoing training, Turkey hopes to boost Somalia’s ability to defend itself and eventually take full control of its own security.