Mogadishu (SPT) – Turkish F-16 fighter jets were seen flying at low altitude over Somalia’s capital on Today, amid reports that personnel from the Somali Air Force were on board alongside Turkish military officers.

Residents in several districts of Mogadishu reported observing the fighter jets accompanied by Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have previously been deployed in the country to support Somalia’s air force and broader security operations.

Turkey has significantly intensified its security cooperation with the Somali federal government in recent years, deploying military personnel from its air, naval, and ground forces as part of a deepening strategic partnership between Mogadishu and Ankara.

According to reports, Turkey has also stationed advanced naval vessels in Somali waters, with a mandate that includes protecting offshore oil exploration sites and supporting the implementation of a space and satellite-related project currently under development.

The low-altitude flights signal a visible demonstration of Turkey’s military engagement in Somalia and reflect a shift toward more integrated defense cooperation. Joint operations involving Somali and Turkish personnel suggest a focus on capacity-building, interoperability, and deterrence, rather than symbolic partnership alone.

Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s most influential bilateral partners, combining security assistance with economic and institutional support. Ankara’s expanding military footprint comes amid heightened regional competition in the Horn of Africa and growing international interest in maritime security, energy resources, and strategic infrastructure along Somalia’s coastline.

The presence of Turkish F-16 jets over Mogadishu highlights the evolving depth of Somalia–Turkey security ties, reinforcing Ankara’s role as a key security partner while signaling Mogadishu’s reliance on strategic alliances to strengthen its defense posture and protect critical national interests.