Türkiye Deploys Naval Task Group to Somalia as Bilateral Maritime Pact Takes Effect
By Bosphorus News Staff
Turkish naval vessels docked at Mogadishu Port on 11 February 2026, in a move Somali officials described as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime security and naval capacity.
According to Somalia’s National News Agency (SONNA), the reception ceremony was attended by State Minister of Defence Omar Abdi Ali, Somali National Army Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, and senior maritime officials. Somali authorities framed the arrival as support for rebuilding naval capabilities and enhancing protection of territorial waters.
In Ankara, the Ministry of National Defense of Türkiye confirmed that TCG Sancaktar, TCG Gökova, and TCG Bafra were assigned to operate in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia and in the Arabian Sea between 30 January and 25 February 2026. The ministry stated that the mission includes logistical support for the Somalia Turkish Task Force Command and coordination linked to offshore activity. The vessels conducted a port visit to Djibouti on 6–7 February before arriving in Somalia on 11 February.
The deployment follows developments Bosphorus News reported on 7 February 2026, when Mogadishu approved a maritime cooperation agreement with Türkiye covering ports, maritime transport, vessel traffic management and mutual recognition of seafarer certification standards.
That report detailed the parliament approval tied to offshore energy security, including protection of the drillship Çağrı Bey during planned research activity in Somali maritime zones. Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi also stated that three Turkish F-16 fighter jets landed in Mogadishu on 28 January 2026 to support operations against insurgent groups, adding: “Turkey are standing with us in this difficult war against terrorist groups.” Ankara has not released operational details regarding the aircraft but confirmed reinforcement of advisory and assistance elements.
Energy cooperation forms another pillar of the partnership. As Bosphorus News reported on 5 December 2025, Türkiye and Somalia agreed to begin offshore oil drilling in 2026 under a broader maritime and energy framework.
That agreement positioned offshore exploration and port development alongside security coordination, linking energy ambitions with maritime governance.
The Somalia file has also been assessed within Ankara’s wider Africa policy. In a 6 January 2026 analysis, Bosphorus News examined how Türkiye’s Africa engagement has evolved into a structured foreign policy track combining diplomacy, commerce, defence cooperation and soft power.
Somalia was identified as one of the most advanced examples of that layered engagement, where defence training, maritime agreements and energy planning converge.
The current naval deployment reflects that framework in practice. Maritime security, offshore exploration support and bilateral defence cooperation are now operating under defined mandates and agreements, placing Somalia at the center of Türkiye’s Horn of Africa strategy.