Turkey has deployed F-16 fighter jets to Somalia, officials told AFP, signalling Ankara’s determination to deepen its military reach in the Horn of Africa.
The move underscores Turkey’s role as a central ally of Somalia, a nation scarred by decades of civil war and fragile state institutions.
A government official confirmed the deployment but offered no operational details, maintaining discretion around the sensitive military mission.
A second official said the jets would be operated exclusively by Turkish forces already stationed in Somalia, not by Somali personnel.
“This is for our own security,” the source said, stressing the aircraft were intended to protect Turkish assets and personnel.
Turkey established its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu in 2017, anchoring its long-term presence in the country.
Ankara says its task force and air command aim to strengthen Somalia’s counter-terrorism capacity through training, advice and military assistance.
The deployment comes amid rising diplomatic tensions following Turkey’s condemnation of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Ankara described the move as overt interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, reaffirming its support for Somali territorial integrity.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991, as Somalia collapsed into chaos after the fall of dictator Siad Barre.
Since then, the region has functioned autonomously, operating its own currency, armed forces and police institutions.
Somaliland has enjoyed relative stability compared with Somalia, where Al-Shabaab militants continue to stage deadly attacks in Mogadishu.
Israel’s recognition has broken Somaliland’s long diplomatic isolation, drawing criticism from regional and international organisations.
The European Union has joined others in insisting Somalia’s sovereignty must be respected, as regional fault lines continue to harden.