BAIDOA, Somalia — Southwest State of Somalia has accused Turkey of being involved in an offensive against its territory, amid rising tensions with the federal government over troop movements in the Bay region.
The region’s spokesman Ugaas Hassan said the forces involved in the operation include Somali troops trained by Turkey and equipped with weapons provided by Ankara, originally intended for use against the militant group al-Shabab.
Hassan said Turkish military aircraft and drones are supporting federal forces advancing toward Baidoa, the regional capital, by providing aerial cover and surveillance.
“Turkey has been a friend of the Somali people, but now it appears to be taking part in an internal conflict inside Somalia,” he said.
There was no immediate response from Turkish or Somali federal authorities to the allegations.
The accusations come as tensions escalate following the re-election of Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed in an indirect vote in Baidoa, a move rejected by Somalia’s federal government.
Both sides have since mobilized forces, with residents and officials reporting federal troop movements toward the outskirts of Baidoa, including in the Daynuunay area.
The situation remains volatile, with civilian movement disrupted across parts of Southwest State, particularly traffic into Baidoa.
