MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey has deployed F-16 fighter jets to support the Somali National Army, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said Wednesday, describing the move as a significant step in strengthening the country’s air capabilities and counterterrorism operations.
Announcing the deployment during a handover ceremony for the new army chief at the defense ministry in Mogadishu, Fiqi said the aircraft will provide strategic backing for ongoing security campaigns. “The arrival of Turkey’s F-16s marks a significant boost to the Somali National Army’s operational capacity,” he said. “This partnership will enhance our ability to protect our borders and maintain security across the country.”
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The development comes as Somali forces intensify operations against al-Shabaab insurgents across southern and central Somalia, where the extremist group continues to target both military positions and civilians with ambushes, bombings and assassinations.
Turkey has long been one of Somalia’s most consequential security partners, supplying training, equipment and infrastructure support. Analysts say the decision to deploy F-16s signals a deepening of Turkey’s military engagement in the Horn of Africa at a time when Somali authorities are trying to consolidate recent gains against the insurgency.
Key details remain undisclosed. The Somali government has not said how many jets have been sent, where they will operate from or how missions will be coordinated with Somali forces. On Tuesday, Turkish F-16s were seen flying low over Mogadishu, drawing attention on social media and raising questions about the scope and duration of the deployment.
What is clear is the timing: Wednesday’s announcement coincided with a transition in military leadership, underscoring the government’s bid to sustain pressure on al-Shabaab while attempting to modernize command structures and expand capabilities beyond ground operations.
- Turkey has deployed F-16s to support the Somali National Army, according to Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.
- The jets are intended to bolster Somalia’s air capacity and provide strategic support for counterterrorism missions.
- The deployment comes amid active operations against al-Shabaab in southern and central regions.
- The number of aircraft and operational specifics have not been disclosed by Somali authorities.
- F-16s were seen flying over Mogadishu on Tuesday, signaling an active presence.
The added airpower could improve surveillance, deterrence and rapid-response capacity in difficult terrain where ground units often face ambushes and improvised explosive devices. It also offers a symbolic lift for Somalia’s forces, which have grappled with attrition and logistics constraints during prolonged operations.
Still, without clarity on command-and-control arrangements, basing and rules of engagement, the scope of the jets’ role remains uncertain. Somali officials framed the deployment as part of a broader partnership meant to help stabilize the country and protect key population centers and transport corridors.
Wednesday’s announcement did not include a timeline for operations or any public description of mission profiles. Officials emphasized that the F-16s are intended to complement, not replace, Somali-led efforts on the ground, where most of the fighting against al-Shabaab continues to take place.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
