Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Turkey Deploys F-16s in Somalia to Fight Al-Shabaab
Turkey has sent fighter jets and helicopters to Somalia to help fight a group called al-Shabaab.
This group has been causing trouble in Somalia for a long time.
Turkey has a big military base in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, and is also building a place to test missiles and rockets.
The United States is helping Turkey in these efforts.
Recently, Somalia changed its army leader to someone who will try harder to fight al-Shabaab.
Turkey has been in Somalia for years, training soldiers and using drones.
They also want to drill for oil there.
Somalia recently decided not to work with the United Arab Emirates on security and ports, which has made some other countries upset.
Turkey has deployed F-16 fighters and attack helicopters to Somalia to intensify strikes on al-Shabaab militants.
The deployment aims to bolster Turkish drone operations and protect its growing interests in the Horn of Africa.
Turkey has a significant military presence in Mogadishu, including its largest overseas military base and a missile/space rocket testing site.
Somalia's cabinet has replaced the head of the army to reinvigorate the battle against al-Shabaab.
Turkey's involvement in Somalia includes training Somali soldiers, using combat drones, and planning to drill for oil off Somalia's coast.
- Who
- Turkey and Somalia, with support from the United States, are involved in the military operations against al-Shabaab.
- What
- Turkey has deployed F-16 fighters and attack helicopters to Somalia to intensify strikes on al-Shabaab militants and protect its interests.
- When
- The deployment is part of recent efforts, with Turkey having a military presence in Somalia since 2017.
- Where
- The operations are centered in Mogadishu, Somalia, where Turkey has its largest overseas military base.
- Why
- The aim is to bolster drone operations against al-Shabaab, support Somali government forces, and protect Turkey's growing interests in the region.
- Country Deploying Forces
- Turkey
- Target of Strikes
- Al-Shabaab militants
- Location of Military Base
- Mogadishu, Somalia
- Recent Change in Somali Army Leadership
- Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud replaces Odowaa Yusuf Rageh
- Turkey's Additional Interests in Somalia
- Missile and space rocket testing, oil drilling
- Allies in the Operation
- United States
- Turkey's Presence in Somalia
- Since 2017, with helicopters, combat drones, and soldier training
- Recent Diplomatic Shift
- Somalia ends security and ports deals with the UAE