Somalia’s federal government said Friday it does not own the F-16 fighter jets recently seen flying over Mogadishu, clarifying that the aircraft belong to Turkey, a close security partner.
Defense Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi said the jets are operated by the Turkish government and that his earlier remarks had been misunderstood.
“The aircraft belong to our brotherly government of Turkey,” Fiqi said, adding that Ankara continues to provide broad military support to Somalia and that cooperation between the two countries has reached its strongest level this year.
The F-16s conducted a low-altitude military exercise over Mogadishu on Tuesday, according to officials. The drill involved members of the Somali Air Force working alongside Turkish forces.
Turkey recently brought the advanced fighter jets, which are manufactured in the United States, to the Somali capital, the government said.
Security cooperation between Somalia and Turkey has expanded in recent years, with Ankara deploying military personnel from its air, naval and ground forces to support Somali security institutions.
Turkey has also strengthened its naval presence in Somali waters, with modern vessels reported to be involved in protecting planned offshore oil exploration, construction projects and a satellite facility currently under development.
In addition, Turkish authorities have carried out upgrades at Mogadishu’s international airport, including the construction of aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities and the deployment of technical experts.
Officials say the arrival of the jets is closely linked to expected offshore oil drilling later this year and other strategic infrastructure projects planned north of Mogadishu.
