Turkish Air Force F-16 fighter jets, recently deployed to Somalia, arrived in the city of Mogadishu with the aim of supporting operations against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, marking a new level of Ankara’s military involvement in the Horn of Africa country. The arrival of these aircraft represents the first time Türkiye has deployed manned fighter aircraft on Somali territory, expanding its role beyond training, advisory, and indirect support tasks.
According to officials from the Somali government, three F-16 fighters landed on January 28 at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, accompanied by two military helicopters intended to support operations in the south and center of the country. While the execution of airstrikes has not been confirmed, the mere presence of these aircraft introduces a new operational dimension to the conflict and alters the security landscape vis-à-vis Al-Shabaab.
This air deployment occurred in parallel with the first confirmed direct participation of Turkish ground troops in combat against the insurgent group, in addition to the fact that, in late January, the United States carried out an airstrike against insurgent positions. In the Middle Shabelle region, near the Jabad-Godane area and about 20 kilometers from the Somali National Army base in Qorilow, Somali forces launched an intense artillery bombardment against Al-Shabaab positions, followed by a coordinated ground assault. The operation was led by Gorgor special forces, with direct support from Turkish soldiers and officers previously deployed in the area.
According to local sources, dozens of Turkish military personnel, equipped with armored vehicles and advanced weaponry, took part in ground engagements that lasted for approximately three hours. Until now, Türkiye had maintained a clear operational line, limiting its presence to training, equipment provision, intelligence sharing, and indirect support, including the use of armed drones. The operation in Middle Shabelle marks the end of that distinction and positions Turkey as a direct combat actor.
This situation is a clear response by the Turkish government to Israel’s recognition of the independence of the country’s northeastern region: Somaliland. In this way, Somalia becomes a chessboard in which Türkiye, by supporting the Federal Government, seeks to expand its influence in Africa, while Israel secures an ally in the strategically important Horn of Africa.
This political move by Israel was rejected by the Somali federal government and condemned by a broad coalition that included Türkiye, Egypt, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which considered it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Involvement of the Turkish F-16
From a military standpoint, the introduction of Turkish Air Force F-16s into Somali airspace represents a qualitative leap in capabilities. Unlike the unmanned systems previously used, manned fighter aircraft offer greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, and faster response times. Their deployment expands options for close air support and rapid reaction to emerging threats, while also limiting Al-Shabaab’s freedom of movement.
Images recently circulated on social media show Turkish F-16s taking off and flying at low altitude over Mogadishu, visually confirming the presence of these aircraft in the country. Ankara is reportedly said to have been building a dedicated facility in recent months to host the fighters, with Turkish engineers working at the international airport to prepare the infrastructure required.
Türkiye’s support for Somalia
In this context, the increased Turkish military commitment is interpreted as a reaffirmation of Ankara’s support for Somali territorial unity. Türkiye has been a consistent actor in the country since 2011, when it began cooperating in reconstruction and in strengthening the Somali National Army through training, provision of equipment and vehicles, and financial assistance. Mogadishu is also home to TURKSOM, Türkiye’s largest military base abroad.
Türkiye’s Minister of Defence, Yaşar Güler, recently stated that his country is increasing training and support activities in Somalia with the aim of strengthening security and stability. “In Somalia, we recently established the Air Force Command, which includes facilities for helicopters and drones,” Güler said, as reported by the specialized bulletin TIKLS Briefs.
Beyond the strictly military domain, Türkiye maintains strategic and economic interests in Somalia, including the energy sector and the country’s mining potential. According to the consultancy SMA Oxford, Somalia holds significant untapped reserves of critical minerals such as aluminium, copper, iron, rare earths, and titanium—key inputs for both civilian and military energy technologies.
For the moment, there has been no information on how long the Turkish F-16 fighters will remain deployed in Mogadishu. Nonetheless, the set of measures adopted suggests that Ankara plans to sustain and deepen its military presence in Somalia, in a regional context increasingly shaped by geopolitical competition and the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
*Translated by Constanza Matteo
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