Turkiye has increased its military presence in Somalia with the deployment of more aerial and ground forces to assist the northeast African nation in countering terrorist attacks, which are escalating in and around the capital city of Mogadishu, according to Turkish security sources.

The counterterrorism position of Somalia is still being enhanced by the Somali-Turkish Task Force and the Air Component Command of Turkiye, which is being done under the assistance of military, training and advisory services, Turkish security officials said on 5th February.

They said that the Air Component Command of Turkey in Somalia has been reinforced with new deployments, and the recently allocated assets will assist with counterterrorism activities in Somalia.

The struggle of al-Shabaab in Somalia

Somalia has been fighting against al-Shabaab, a terror group affiliated with al-Qaeda, for over a decade. 

Although the military pressure of Somali forces is being supported by the African Union troops and international partners, the group still conducts lethal bombings, targeted attacks and sophisticated attacks, especially in the city of Mogadishu and other neighbouring areas.

Al Shabab has intensified its campaigns against government installations, the security agencies and meeting points in the recent months, highlighting the strength of the group to make use of security loopholes despite the fact that the Somali authorities have maintained a countrywide offensive.

Türkiye’s continued support

Turkiye has become one of the most important security partners of Somalia, with a large military training base situated in Mogadishu and giving the Somali National Army a lot of support. 

The Turkish trainers have trained thousands of Somali soldiers, and Ankara has provided equipment, technical support and operational advice.

Turkish officials explain that the intention is to assist Somalia in having a self-sufficient security structure that would be able to sustain long-term stability and limit dependency on foreign troops.

The most recent reinforcement is an indication that Ankara is looking to strengthen that alliance at a very opportune time, since Somali leaders need to solidify the progress against al-Shabaab and ensure that the group does not succeed in gaining territory.