Two Qatari air force planes, carrying 400 Turkish soldiers, have landed in Somali capital Mogadishu.
This deployment supports key Turkish-Somali projects, including a future rocket launch facility, oil exploration efforts, and military training programs.
The rocket site, still in planning, reflects Turkey’s growing aerospace ambitions and interest in Africa’s technological potential.
Turkey’s energy firms are exploring offshore Somali oil and gas reserves, with Ankara providing increased security and logistics.
Turkish troops will help train Somali forces and provide aerial support as Somalia battles al-Shabaab and prepares for AU troop withdrawal.
There’s no sign of private security firm involvement; only official Turkish and Qatari state actors are participating in the operation.
Since 2017, Turkish forces have run the TurkSom base in Mogadishu, training thousands of Somali soldiers to rebuild the national army.
Turkey’s expanded role in Somalia mirrors its broader Africa strategy—blending military, humanitarian, trade, and infrastructure investments.
Somalia is becoming central to Turkey’s long-term goals in Africa, marked by new deployments and ambitious joint projects.
