Somalia to Receive Military Helicopters from Turkey to Combat Al-Shabaab | Firstpost Africa | N18G
Türkiye is strengthening its military ties with Somalia as the country prepares to receive T-129 ATAK attack helicopters to enhance its fight against Al-Shabaab. This follows Somalia’s recent acquisition of Türkiye’s Bayraktar Akinci attack drones. Türkiye has been training Somali forces since 2017 and operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu. Last year, the two nations signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement, with discussions ongoing for a missile and space rocket test site. However, Türkiye’s growing influence has raised concerns in the United States, reportedly leading to the dismissal of Somalia’s defence minister over his ties to Ankara. As tensions rise, Somalia faces a complex geopolitical balancing act. Watch for more.
