Somalia: Turkey completes the construction of military base in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Turkey has announced it finalized the construction of a military base in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, in which Turkish military personnel will train the Somali government troops, Garowe Online reports.

According to a statement released by the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu, it stated the military base is ready for operation, as the embassy is hosting an event to mark the anniversary of failed military coup in 15 July 2016.

Turkish ambassador Olgan Baker told the media that the first batch of Turkish military personnel are scheduled to arrive to Mogadishu in August to commence the training program for the Somali national army.

He added that the official ceremony to cut the ribbon off the military base is expected to take place in September with the attendance of Turkish and Somali top government officials.

The complex will be Turkey’s first military base in Africa, which has been approved by the United Nations, and its second military base abroad.

The agreement between the Turkish and Somali government will include training of over 10,000 Somali soldiers by 200 Turkish military officers to support their fight against al-Shabaab militants group.

In the past years, Somalia became the largest recipient of Turkish aid globally, whereas the Turkish President became the first head of state to pay several visits to the capital Mogadishu.

GAROWEONLINE