The Turkish government has announced that it will be sending four warships to Somalia in order to protect the security of Somalia’s waters and prevent any potential violations along its coasts. According to Admiral Zeki Akturk, a spokesperson for the Turkish Defense Ministry, this operation is part of ongoing efforts by Ankara to strengthen the security of Somalia’s sea and the surrounding region. The warships, named TCG Goksu, TCG Bayraktar, TCG Bartin, and TCG Yzb, are expected to arrive in Somalia on March 16, 2026, and will be responsible for conducting security operations and monitoring the movements of Somalia’s territorial waters. This new security operation is crucial in light of the recent increase in piracy, illegal fishing, and other acts of insecurity that pose a threat to ships in Somalia’s waters. The Turkish government has expressed its commitment to supporting Somalia in the areas of security and has also pledged to enhance Somalia’s coast guard. In addition, Turkey has dispatched a ship to Somalia to carry out oil exploration, which has been ongoing since 2024. This is part of the close cooperation between the two countries in the areas of energy and natural resources. The Somali army will be working closely with the Turkish coast guard and the arriving warships, although the exact number of Somali troops involved has not been officially announced. These troops will collaborate with the Turkish coast guard to ensure the success of the operation. Officials who have spoken to the international media have confirmed this information, stating that the operation is part of a larger plan to strengthen security in Somalia’s waters and protect its natural resources. Turkey has previously sent more than ten ships to Somalia to participate in various operations, including training, protecting the security of Somalia’s waters, and combating illegal fishing along its coasts. This new military movement between Ankara and Mogadishu highlights the strategic and deepening ties between the two countries.
