Turkey has deployed 500 troops to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, in a major move to support the Somali government against Al-Shabaab militants. This marks the first phase of a larger 2,500-strong force, following a formal request from Somali authorities.
Two Turkish military planes arrived with personnel and equipment, received by top defense officials.
The deployment comes after Al-Shabaab overran the Somali army’s central command base in Adan Yabal, Middle Shabelle region, last week.
Turkish troops are expected to secure key installations in Mogadishu, as Ankara deepens its security partnership with Somalia.
