Wednesday February 11, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Turkish Navy warships docked at Mogadishu’s seaport on Tuesday as part of strengthening maritime security cooperation between Somalia and Turkey.
The vessels’ arrival was formally welcomed Wednesday by a high-level Somali delegation led by State Minister for Defense Omar Abdi Ali. The reception included Somali National Army Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, who also oversees the navy and coast guard, as well as senior naval officers and Turkey’s ambassador to Somalia.
The Turkish naval presence is expected to support joint training, operational coordination and logistical assistance for Somali forces, part of a broader security partnership that has expanded significantly over the past decade.
Somali officials said the docking of the warships underscores Ankara’s continued role in rebuilding Somalia’s security institutions. Turkey operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, where it trains Somali troops, and has steadily increased defense cooperation with the Horn of Africa nation.
The naval engagement coincides with deepening energy cooperation between the two countries. Turkey’s energy minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, said last month that a Turkish drilling vessel, the Cagri Bey, is expected to arrive in Somalia this month to carry out Turkey’s first deepwater exploration project abroad. The operation will focus on offshore areas in Somali waters, though details about reserves and investment size have not been disclosed.
In 2024, Turkey signed an energy exploration agreement with Somalia as part of Ankara’s broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on imports through domestic and overseas exploration.
Turkey has also deployed modern naval assets to Somali waters to safeguard offshore energy sites and is supporting additional projects, including the development of a satellite center, under an expanding defense and security framework.
Last month, three Turkish F-16 fighter jets were delivered to Mogadishu, with six more expected, according to Somali officials. The aircraft form part of broader military support provided by Turkey and other allied countries as Somalia intensifies operations against al-Shabab and works to strengthen national defense capabilities.
