Turkey is increasing its military presence in Somalia by deploying 500 troops specializing in counterterrorism and drone operations, in response to the recent territorial gains by al-Shabaab from government forces.
“The Turkish troops are only there to protect Turkish assets and to train and advise Somali forces, they will only fight al-Shabaab if necessary and in self-defense,” an unnamed source familiar with Turkey’s operations in Somalia told Middle East Eye.
The new troops, consisting of 300 commandos and 200 soldiers, will step up Turkey’s operations in Somalia, particularly in counterterrorism.
The new operation includes the use of a Turkish-made Akinci drone, which is larger and more powerful than the popular Turkish Bayraktar drones used by the Somali National Army in its fight against Al-Shabaab.
The Akinci drones have night vision capabilities and can operate 24 hours a day, making them an effective tool for fighting Al-Shabaab at night, experts said.
The Turkish operation is part of the Somalia Security Development Plan, which aims to help Somalia eventually take full control of its own security.
