Maritime pact, naval mission, F-16 deployment: Türkiye’s role in Somalia deepens
By Bosphorus News Staff
Mogadishu approved a maritime cooperation agreement with Türkiye on 5 February 2026, covering ports and seafarer certification. In parallel, Somali and Turkish officials describe a widening Turkish role in counterterror operations and the protection of planned offshore activity, including a naval deployment tied to offshore exploration.
Somalia’s federal cabinet has approved a maritime cooperation agreement with Türkiye, widening bilateral cooperation across maritime transport, ports, and related technical standards. The agreement envisages expertise-sharing on maritime transport, vessel traffic management, port services modernisation, and mutual recognition of seafarers’ competency certificates, alongside broader technical cooperation.
Naval deployment linked to offshore energy mission
Regional reporting indicates that a Turkish naval group is set to reach Somalia on 11 February 2026, following a parliamentary extension of Türkiye’s mandate. The mission is framed around securing offshore energy activity and providing logistical protection to exploration assets operating in Somali maritime zones.
The deployment is described as including multiple Turkish naval platforms tasked with safeguarding the drillship Çağrı Bey during offshore research operations. Türkiye’s Defence Ministry has said naval elements will operate in the Gulf of Aden, off Somalia, and the Arabian Sea, with the extended mandate taking effect on 10 February 2026 and running through 25 February 2026.
F-16 claims and the air and ground support picture
Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has said Türkiye deployed F-16 fighter jets to support operations against insurgent groups, stating that three aircraft landed in Mogadishu on 28 January 2026. Ankara has not released operational details, but Turkish officials have confirmed a reinforcement of air and ground elements tied to training, advisory, and assistance missions.
In a separate interview, Fiqi said Türkiye’s backing has reached its strongest level this year, stating: “Turkey are standing with us in this difficult war against terrorist groups.” He also confirmed that a fighter jet seen operating from Mogadishu belonged to Türkiye.
Turkish officials have separately said the Somali-Turkish Task Force and Türkiye’s Air Component Command continue to operate in support roles, with the air component strengthened through additional deployments.
Horn of Africa backdrop and Erdoğan’s Somaliland message
The latest developments come amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa following Israel’s late December 2025 recognition of Somaliland, a move Ankara has criticised as undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Speaking in Cairo, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said: “Steps concerning the future of Somalia and Somaliland should reflect the will of all Somalis.” Turkish officials have also reiterated support for Somalia’s unity and opposition to separatist or parallel structures in the region.