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A violent altercation among Somali soldiers undergoing military training in Türkiye has left 24 troops injured, two of them critically, according to local authorities. The incident occurred at the General Ihsan Alper Military Base in Isparta, a city in southwestern Türkiye, where Somali soldiers are receiving training as part of a bilateral defense cooperation agreement between the two nations.
The brawl reportedly broke out following a football match among the Somali trainees. Tensions escalated during the game, leading to a physical confrontation that quickly spiraled out of control. Local security forces and Turkish military personnel intervened to contain the situation, but not before several individuals sustained injuries. The injured soldiers were transported to Isparta City Hospital and Süleyman Demirel University Research and Application Hospital for treatment.
Isparta Governor Abdullah Erin confirmed the incident and visited the injured soldiers in the hospital. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “Our troops acted swiftly to bring the situation under control. Most of the injuries were minor, and the majority of those affected have already been discharged after receiving outpatient care. However, two Somali soldiers remain in critical condition and are receiving the necessary medical attention.”
The governor also reassured the public that the situation at the barracks is now stable, with no ongoing security concerns. An administrative and judicial investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the altercation and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The General Ihsan Alper Military Base is one of several facilities in Türkiye where Somali soldiers receive training as part of a broader effort to strengthen Somalia’s security forces. Türkiye, a NATO member, has been a key partner in Somalia’s reconstruction efforts, providing support in areas such as education, health, and infrastructure, in addition to military training. The partnership includes Türkiye’s largest overseas military base, located in Mogadishu, which has trained over 5,000 Somali security personnel to date.
The incident has sparked discussions about the challenges of managing diverse groups of trainees in high-pressure environments. Experts have emphasized the importance of fostering discipline and camaraderie among soldiers to prevent such conflicts. “Training programs must include not only technical and tactical skills but also team-building exercises to ensure cohesion among participants,” said a military analyst familiar with international training programs.
While the brawl has raised concerns, it is unlikely to affect the strong ties between Türkiye and Somalia. Both nations have reiterated their commitment to deepening their partnership, which has been instrumental in enhancing Somalia’s security and stability. Somali officials have yet to comment on the incident, but sources indicate that they are closely monitoring the situation and cooperating with Turkish authorities.
The altercation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international military training programs. As Türkiye continues to play a pivotal role in Somalia’s security sector reform, ensuring the well-being and discipline of trainees will remain a priority for both nations.