MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s government on Wednesday confirmed the presence of Turkish F-16 fighter jets in the capital, Mogadishu, saying the aircraft have been delivered to Somali national forces battling al-Shabab.
Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi made the confirmation during a leadership handover ceremony for the Somali National Army in Mogadishu.
Fiqi said the jets would support ongoing military operations against militant groups such as al-Shabab and Daesh, which the government says threaten national security.
He declined to say whether the jets were purchased or donated by Turkey and offered no details on their number, the terms of the transfer or their operational use.
The jets carried out drills at dawn Tuesday over Mogadishu, startling residents who were awakened by the rare noise. Videos of the aircraft later circulated on social media.
Fiqi recited a poem referencing the drills, describing them as a “message” to extremists and warning of “destruction and mourning.”
The remarks followed reports linking the deployment to Turkey’s broader strategic interests in Somalia, including potential involvement in oil exploration.
Turkey operates its largest overseas military presence in Somalia and has provided training, equipment and logistical support under long-standing defense cooperation deals.
