Türkiye's Ministry of National Defence has denied reports that it plans to deploy 15,000 troops to Somalia at the request of the federal government. Rear Adm. Zeki Aktürk, ministry spokesperson, rejected claims circulating in Turkish and Somali media about a large-scale deployment of Turkish forces to Somalia. The denial comes amid concerns about security as African Union troop-contributing countries prepare to withdraw some of their forces.
Aktürk confirmed that Türkiye already maintains a military presence in Somalia through the Somali-Turkish Task Force and an air component command. Turkish forces would continue supporting Somalia's counterterrorism capabilities through military assistance, training and advisory services. Türkiye operates the TURKSOM military training facility in Mogadishu, where Turkish instructors have trained Somali military personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the Somali National Army.
The TURKSOM facility, which opened in 2017, has played a significant role in developing Somalia's military capabilities, including training specialized units involved in operations against al-Shabab. The Turkish statement comes days after Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Ferhat Alkan met Somali National Security Adviser Aweys Haji Yusuf Ahmed in Mogadishu to discuss military cooperation, counterterrorism operations and regional security developments.
During the meeting, the two officials reviewed Somalia's security situation and efforts to strengthen cooperation between the countries as African Union forces prepare for changes to their deployments. The discussions also covered political developments, operations against al-Shabab and broader bilateral cooperation. Somalia appreciated Türkiye's longstanding support and emphasized the importance of continued coordination to strengthen national security.
The discussions come amid uncertainty over the future of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), particularly following Uganda's announcement that it would withdraw troops deployed under bilateral arrangements and gradually end its participation in the mission. Uganda has been one of the largest contributors to African Union military operations in Somalia since 2007.
Somalia and Türkiye maintain a longstanding defense partnership covering military training, counterterrorism, maritime security and military capacity-building. Despite rejecting reports of an additional 15,000 troops, Ankara reaffirmed that its existing military mission would continue supporting Somalia's efforts to strengthen its armed forces and combat militant groups.
The withdrawal plans of African Union forces have raised concerns about the readiness of Somali forces to assume responsibility for areas previously secured by foreign troops. Türkiye's commitment to Somalia's security is expected to continue, with a focus on building the capacity of the Somali National Army to counter threats from groups like al-Shabab.
Key points
- Türkiye denies plans to deploy 15,000 troops to Somalia.
- Türkiye reaffirms commitment to military training and counterterrorism cooperation with Somalia.
- African Union forces prepare to withdraw some troops from Somalia, raising concerns about security.
