Turkey deploys 500 special forces to Somalia to combat Al-Shabaab
They will join the 500 special forces officers deployed to Mogadishu in April 2025 as part of a planned 2,500-strong unit aimed at boosting Somalia's security. The troops were approved by Turkey's Parliament in July 2024 for a two-year mission.
The government of Turkey has deployed an additional 500 special forces officers to Somalia to help the country combat threats from non-state actors, including the Al-Shabaab militia group.
The consensus was reached on Sunday following a phone conversation between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The two leaders also agreed to boost cooperation in key sectors, including energy and the blue economy.
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According to CGTN Africa, the consignment of troops comprises 300 commandos and 200 support personnel focused on counterterrorism and drone operations.
They will join the 500 special forces officers deployed to Mogadishu in April 2025 as part of a planned 2,500-strong unit aimed at boosting Somalia's security. The troops were approved by Turkey's Parliament in July 2024 for a two-year mission.
"The arrival of new Turkish forces is timely with the drawdown of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops and looming budget cuts," said Security Analyst Ali Aden.
"This deployment could help shift the battle dynamics in Somalia just as Turkish technology and forces did in Ethiopia during the Tigray war, and in Sudan and Libya. It may provide the Somali government with what is needed to regain control."
Mogadishu and Ankara signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2024, making Turkey a key partner in securing Somalia's maritime territory.
In return for helping rebuild and train the Somali Navy, Turkey will receive 30 per cent of revenue from Somalia's exclusive economic zone.
Supporters say the partnership could curb illegal fishing, estimated to cost Somalia $500 million annually (Sh64.6 billion), and attract renewed interest in the country's vast but untapped oil and gas reserves.
"This deployment also reflects Turkiye's intention to safeguard strategic interests in the Horn of Africa, especially around oil, gas, fishing and even the construction of a planned space station. When you connect the dots, it's clear there is no such thing as a free lunch in international relations and diplomacy," said Ali.
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