By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — A Turkish military cargo aircraft landed at Mogadishu’s international airport on Wednesday, underscoring Ankara’s growing security and defense support for Somalia, Somali officials said.
The aircraft, which arrived from Turkey carrying undisclosed military and logistical equipment, comes amid expanding cooperation between the two countries in the areas of defense, security and counterterrorism. Somali authorities did not release details about the cargo but described it as part of ongoing bilateral security assistance.
The arrival coincided with high-level meetings between Somali and Turkish officials in Mogadishu. Turkey’s ambassador to Somalia met with Somalia’s minister of defense to discuss strengthening security cooperation, military training and continued support for Somali national forces.
Separately, the commander of Turkey’s special police forces held talks with the chief of the Somali Police Force, focusing on police training, counterterrorism coordination and efforts to enhance law enforcement capacity in the country.
Turkey has been one of Somalia’s closest allies over the past decade, providing military training, development assistance and humanitarian aid. Ankara operates its largest overseas military training base in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali soldiers have been trained.
Somalia continues to face security challenges from the militant group al-Shabab, which has carried out frequent attacks targeting government institutions, security forces and civilians. Somali officials say international partnerships, particularly with Turkey, remain critical to rebuilding national security institutions.
Neither government commented on whether the latest military shipment would be used in upcoming security operations. However, officials said cooperation between the two countries is expected to intensify in the coming months as Somalia accelerates efforts to stabilize the country and strengthen its security forces.
The meetings and the arrival of the military aircraft highlight Turkey’s expanding role in Somalia’s security sector and its broader influence in the Horn of Africa.
