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Turkish military training base TURKSOM trains Somali forces since 2017

Somali soldiers are seen during military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
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Somali soldiers are seen during military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
October 10, 2025 03:23 AM GMT+03:00

Turkish armed forces have been conducting training activities for Somali soldiers at the TURKSOM Military Training Base since 2017 for Somalia's peace and stability.

The Somali Turkish Task Force Command was established through a Framework Agreement between Türkiye and Somalia in 2010, followed by a Military Training Cooperation Agreement in 2012, a Turkish Task Force Protocol in 2014, and a Turkish Task Force Council of Ministers Decision in 2015, becoming operational on Sept. 30, 2017.

Activities, including organization, training, military infrastructure improvements, and logistical support for the Somali Armed Forces, are carried out within the Anadolu Barracks.

The Military School Command offers students military, academic, basic and combat physical education as well as applied training and internship opportunities.

Somali soldiers are seen during military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
Somali soldiers are seen during military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)

Advisory, operational support

Support is provided for the establishment and development of the Somali National Army organization within TURKSOM.

Advisers within the command conduct on-site advisory activities at the presidency, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, and at the land, sea, and air forces levels.

The Kartal (Eagle) Brigades, trained and equipped by Türkiye, as well as Special Forces Battalions trained and equipped under the Special Forces Command, and other allied units, including the U.S.-trained Danab Brigade and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-trained Special Forces Battalion, operate in the field of operations.

Units trained by Türkiye have been conducting operations to re-establish state authority, especially in the Galguduud and Hirshabelle regions, since 2023.

Somali soldiers are seen during military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
Somali soldiers are seen during military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)

International presence

International actors operating in Somalia alongside Türkiye include the United Nations, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the African Command, the United Kingdom, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, the European Union Training Mission and various nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).

Somali soldiers are seen during military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Base in Mogadishu, Somalia, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)

As of September 2025, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, consisting of troops from Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti, continues to operate with 11,467 soldiers in the fight against the al-Shabab terrorist organization.

October 10, 2025 03:23 AM GMT+03:00
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