ASEANNETWORKNEWS| Turkey is facing growing scrutiny over its military involvement in Somalia after Turkish F-16 fighter jets were reportedly used in fighting near Baidoa, as clashes intensified between Somalia’s federal forces and forces aligned with a former regional leader.
Local reports said Turkish fighter jets and drones were active during fighting around Baidoa in southern Somalia. Forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen accused Turkey of carrying out missile strikes in the area.
The reports have not been fully confirmed by the Turkish or Somali governments. As of the latest reports, there was no official statement publicly detailing the alleged strikes, their targets or the number of casualties.
Turkey has developed extensive political, economic and military ties with Somalia over the past decade. Ankara established the TURKSOM military training facility in Mogadishu in 2017, where Somali troops have been trained as part of bilateral defense cooperation.
Turkey has also provided humanitarian assistance and supported infrastructure development in Somalia. Turkish companies operate key facilities in Mogadishu, including the airport and seaport.
The military relationship has expanded further in recent years. Turkey publicly confirmed the deployment of three F-16 fighter jets to Somalia in April 2026, when they participated in a flyover marking the anniversary of the Somali Armed Forces.
The deployment has underscored Ankara’s increasingly direct military presence in the Horn of Africa.
The reported F-16 involvement comes amid continuing political and military tensions in Somalia.
Federal government forces have been engaged in clashes with armed groups linked to political opponents and regional authorities. Baidoa, the capital of South West State, has become one of the focal points of the confrontation.
According to reports, forces aligned with Laftagareen accused Turkey of supporting the federal government through air operations.
However, the circumstances surrounding the reported strikes remain unclear, including whether the aircraft directly participated in attacks, what weapons were used and which targets were struck.
Earlier reports have also documented Turkish military aircraft operating in Somalia during government operations against al-Shabaab.
Turkey has built Somalia into one of its major strategic partners in Africa. Its involvement includes military training, economic investment, infrastructure projects and cooperation in maritime security.
The growing relationship has strengthened Ankara’s position in the Horn of Africa, a region that has become increasingly important because of its proximity to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and major international shipping routes.
Turkey’s expanding presence has also placed it within Somalia’s complicated political landscape, where disputes between the federal government, regional administrations and armed groups continue to affect security.
Opposition figures in Somalia have previously criticized the use of Turkish-provided military equipment in domestic political conflicts. Supporters of the bilateral relationship, meanwhile, have emphasized Turkey’s role in strengthening Somalia’s security capabilities and combating al-Shabaab.
The reported F-16 missile strikes represent a significant development if confirmed, because they would indicate a more direct Turkish military role in Somalia’s internal fighting.
However, available reports do not yet provide sufficient independent evidence to establish the exact circumstances of the alleged attack.
The Turkish and Somali governments have yet to publicly provide a comprehensive account of the reported operation, including its objectives and the identities of any forces or positions targeted.
For now, Turkey’s expanding military presence has placed Ankara increasingly close to Somalia’s internal security and political disputes, raising questions about the future scope of its involvement in the country.
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