A delegation from Turkish Specially trained forces arrived in Mogadishu on Friday in order to strengthen the working cooperation on security that Turkish forces have with Somali National Army (SNA). It also indicates the longstanding ties in the area of defense between Turkey and Somalia.
The visit will focus on developing trainings, sharing on the experience pertaining to carrying out tasks and upgrading the capability of the Somali National Army (SNA) while the terrorist attacks conducted by Al-shabab has surged in the region.
The delegation is due to hold meetings with the Somali Military Command and will discuss ways to step up efforts which are aimed to fight extremists in Somalia through special training programs and broad based support. Turkey is a great ally to Somalia in terms of security.
It plays a crucial role when it comes to the military support that Somalia receives including the trainings that Turkey provides to the Somali National Army (SNA) in the military base in Mogadishu. It also provided to Somalia Bayaktar tb2 drones and Model Akinci which are vital in the fight against Al-Shabab.
The increasing presence of Turkey in Somalia is beyond a military support ever since the Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan paid a visit to Somalia in 2011.
Ankara strengthened its bilateral trade with Somalia and now manages Adden Adde Int’l Airport and Mogadishu port.
Turkey also entered into agreement with Somalia when it comes to the energy exploration.
At least 500 Turkish soldiers including 300 Specially Trained Commandos recently arrived in Mogadishu to protect Turkish centers. This shows that Turkish Gov’t underscored its commitment to restore stability in Somalia.
