Mogadishu – HBN: Reliable sources have informed HBN that a military aircraft carrying hundreds of Turkish soldiers arrived in Mogadishu over the past two days. The number of troops is estimated to be between 400 and 500, and they are said to be part of a broader plan to deploy additional Turkish forces to Somalia.
Sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter revealed that this group may be the first wave of an expected 2,500 Turkish soldiers anticipated to arrive in Mogadishu in the coming days or weeks. According to informed insiders, the new troops are expected to help secure key Turkish-led projects in Somalia, including oil exploration and drilling operations, as well as the construction of a satellite launch facility that Turkey plans to establish in the country.
In addition to protecting infrastructure, the troops are also expected to support special operations targeting the militant group Al-Shabaab, offering tactical assistance to Somali forces in aerial strikes and advanced military training.
The aircraft transporting the Turkish troops reportedly belonged to the Qatari Air Force and is said to have landed in Mogadishu twice this week. The most recent flight took place on Sunday, according to sources based in the capital.
This deployment is believed to be part of the implementation of a defense cooperation agreement between Somalia and Turkey. It is worth noting that Turkey maintains its largest embassy in the world in Mogadishu, alongside a major military training base for Somali forces. A small contingent of Turkish troops was already stationed in Somalia, primarily for the protection of the embassy and training facilities.
As of now, neither the Somali nor Turkish governments have officially confirmed or denied the reports of this new troop deployment.
HBN ONLINE TV