Turkish made T129 ATAK combat helicopters on Wednesday have successfully took off from Turkish military base in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu which indicates to be a sign of a first flight test of the helicopters that the Turkish government has donated to Somalia.
The three helicopters were brought to Mogadishu in a bid to intensify the war against the militant group of Al-shabab which is currently underway in Southwest and Central Somalia.
Turkish has come first when it comes to the support of the rebuilding and training Somali soldiers while providing the Somali gov’t with military equipment and high level trainings which are aimed to strengthen the capacity of security agencies in the country.
In addition, Turkey is also protecting Somalia’s coasts in a bid to prevent piracy and acts of insecurity in the Indian Ocean. Turkish coastguards are currently operating in Somalia’s coasts in order to ensure the security of the ships and trade in the sea.
On the other hand, Turkey is also involved with projects including oil exploration in Somalia’s coasts which indicates the strategic and trade ties between the two countries. The oil exploration is crucial in Somalia’s economic development and the future of the country’s energy.
The Arrival of Turkish T129 ATAK helicopters to Somalia is a vital step which is aimed to strengthen the capacity of Somalia in terms of the fight against armed insurgents. These combat helicopters have strong powers and will assist the security forces to prevent the terrorist groups.
Generally, Turkish support in the areas of military, security and economy makes a crucial friend to Somalia when it comes to the stabilization and the progress of the country.