Türkiye deploys 500 troops to Somalia as part of wider security mission

Initial batch of Turkish forces lands in Mogadishu to support Somali government against Al-Shabaab insurgency

MOGADISHU, Somalia (MNTV) – Türkiye has deployed 500 troops to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, marking the first phase of a broader military commitment involving 2,500 personnel aimed at reinforcing Somalia’s defense capabilities.

According to Caasimada Online, two Turkish military transport aircraft carrying soldiers and equipment arrived in Mogadishu, where they were welcomed by senior Somali defense officials. 

The deployment comes at the request of the Somali government and is part of Ankara’s growing security partnership with the Horn of Africa nation.

The Turkish forces are expected to focus on securing strategic sites in Mogadishu, including government buildings and critical infrastructure. 

The move follows a recent offensive by the Al-Shabaab militant group, which overran the Somali army’s central command base in Adan Yabal, Middle Shabelle region, last week.

The fall of Adan Yabal was seen as a major setback for Somali forces and has triggered fears of further territorial gains by Al-Shabaab, which has intensified attacks across central and southern Somalia in recent months.

Security analysts say that while Türkiye’s presence may strengthen key installations and stabilize parts of the capital, Ankara is expected to proceed carefully to avoid deeper involvement in Somalia’s long-running conflict.

The deployment underlines Türkiye’s increasing role in Somalia’s security sector.

In recent years, Türkiye’s has built a large military training base in Mogadishu and provided logistical and advisory support to Somali forces.

The remaining phases of the Turkish troop deployment are expected in the coming months, as Somalia struggles to contain the growing threat from Al-Shabaab, an armed group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries.