Turkey Deploys F-16s and Helicopters to Somalia to Combat Militants

Turkey has dispatched F-16 fighter jets and attack helicopters to Somalia to enhance efforts against the militant group Al-Shabaab and safeguard its growing interests in the region. According to Jin10, informed sources revealed that Ankara has already stationed a limited number of fighter jets in Somalia. In recent months, Turkey has collaborated with the United States to combat Al-Shabaab, with U.S. targets in Somalia also including Islamic State militants. This week, the Somali cabinet replaced the army chief in a bid to revitalize the fight against militants. Turkey has been deploying helicopters and combat drones in Somalia for several years and began training Somali soldiers in Mogadishu in 2017. Over the past decade, Ankara has significantly expanded its influence in Somalia through defense, energy, and infrastructure projects. Turkey has also announced plans to commence oil drilling off the Somali coast soon.