The Turkish parliament has given the green light to a two-year military deployment in Somalia, aiming to bolster the country’s security against terrorism and other threats.
The decision, authorized by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, comes as part of an expanded defense cooperation agreement between Turkey and Somalia.
Turkey has maintained a longstanding commitment to Somalia’s stability, providing training, assistance, and advisory support to its security forces for over a decade.
The new deployment will further enhance these efforts, focusing on counterterrorism and restructuring Somalia’s defense capabilities.
Since 2009, the Turkish military has been actively involved in combating piracy and maritime terrorism in the region.
This new mandate will see Turkey assume command of Combined Task Force-151 for the seventh time, underscoring its leadership role in regional security.
The decision to deploy troops comes in response to Somalia’s request for support in securing its maritime zones and developing its economy.
By enhancing the capacity of Somali security forces, turkey aims to contribute to the country’s long-term stability and self-reliance.
This move aligns with the Somali Security Sector Development Plan, a joint initiative between Turkey and Somalia aimed at building a secure and prosperous Somalia.