Turkey, which has progressively deepened its relations with Somalia over the past 15 years—particularly in space studies and oil exploration—has taken another remarkable step in its military support to the African nation, with Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets participating in operations targeting Al-Shabaab.
Somalia's Defence Ministry announced on June 30 that the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) with the support of Turkey, carried out F-16 airstrikes in Godey, Lower Shabelle, eliminating approximately 35 Al-Shabaab rebels, injuring more than 20 others and destroying terrorist hideouts, weapons caches and explosives.
It was noteworthy that this statement, which was quoted and published by international media, was removed from the ministry's X posts a day later. In the ministry's currently active posts, the phrase “in coordination with international partners” is used instead of explicitly naming the country supporting the operations.
In the statement removed from its X account, the ministry had said: “Following the strikes, a series of large secondary explosions occurred at the targeted site, indicating the presence of weapons stockpiles, explosive materials and enemy military supplies. The site was also occupied by militants and vehicles loaded with explosives that had been prepared for use in terrorist attacks against Somali civilians.”
The ministry also extended its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in the fight against and eradication of terrorism. The MOD and SNAF reaffirm their unwavering commitment to continuing operations targeting Al-Shabaab leaders and militants until the threat they pose to the Somali people is completely eliminated.
MILITARY SUPPORT CONTINUES TO INCREASE
Since its early years in power, the AKP government has kept the African continent within its sphere of interest, and Somalia has held a privileged position in these newly established relations.
Relations between Turkey and Somalia developed rapidly, especially through the humanitarian aid provided in the wake of the 2011 drought in Africa. Starting from 2012, the Turkish military began training Somali soldiers. In 2017, the TURKSOM Military Training Center, built on an area of 550,000 square meters as Turkey's largest military base abroad, became operational in Mogadishu.
Hangars were constructed in Mogadishu starting in September 2025, and a Turkish F-16 squadron was deployed to Somalia in January 2026. The Ministry of National Defense announced that the Somalia-Turkish Task Force and the Air Element Command are operating to contribute to the development of Somalia's counter-terrorism capacity through military assistance, training, and advisory activities.
Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said that the military cooperation carried out with Turkey will significantly increase Somalia's security capacity, adding that Turkish warplanes aim to strengthen Somalia's air power and provide strategic support in counter-terrorism operations.
Turkey's deployment of fighter jets to Somalia coincided with a period when the Somali army intensified its operations against Al-Shabaab, which posed a security threat in the southern and central regions of the country with attacks targeting military bases and civilians.
Furthermore, under the Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed in 2024, the Turkish Naval Forces will support the security of Somali territorial waters by deploying warships until at least 2034.
OIL, NATURAL GAS AND SPACE
Ankara attaches immense importance to developing relations with Somalia across military, strategic, and commercial dimensions.
In 2013, the Port of Mogadishu was leased to a Turkish company for a period of 20 years. In October 2024, the seismic research vessel Oruç Reis conducted a 7-month seismic study off the coast of Somalia, collecting 3D seismic data covering a total of 4,464 square kilometers across 3 different blocks.
Following the seismic studies, promising geological formations were observed in the region, and the government decided to launch Turkey's first deep-sea drilling operations abroad.
In April 2026, the deep-sea drilling vessel Çağrı Bey began hydrocarbon exploration in Curad-1, the first well located 372 kilometers off Mogadishu. In the local language, Curad translates to “the first-born baby.”
The Turkish government also selected Somalia for cooperation in space activities, announcing in December 2025 that feasibility and design work for a spaceport to be established in the African nation had been completed and construction had commenced.
Because the Earth's rotational speed is highest at the equator, rockets can reach orbit using less fuel, providing a technical advantage for countries close to the equator regarding space launch activities. Additionally, Somalia's long coastline opening into the Indian Ocean allows launches to be carried out eastward, which is safer for civilian areas.
The spaceport to be established in Somalia will not be limited solely to launch operations. It is envisioned to build a sustainable industrial ecosystem in critical fields such as rocket engines, fuel and propulsion systems, advanced materials, avionics, and ground support infrastructure, allowing the port to serve the global commercial space market. This spaceport aims to generate a significant source of revenue for Turkey through commercial satellite launches, testing, and integration activities.
Turkey may also conduct test firings of the long-range missiles it is currently developing from the spaceport in Somalia in the coming years.
In January 2026, the Somali government appointed Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmud, who graduated from the military academy in Turkey, as the Chief of General Staff.
