Cargo Ship Carrying Turkish Weapons and Armored Vehicles Seized off Somalia’s Coast
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Staff Reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 19-07-2025, 12:22PM
BAREDA, Somalia - The Turkish vessel, which was seized on Somalia’s coastline within Puntland state, developed systems failure, multiple sources say, with reports further indicating that it was headed to Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Presently, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) is towing the vessel to Bosaso, the commercial capital of Puntland, with no further reports on the next course of action. The number of crew members also remains unknown.
The Turkish vessel was carrying Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) whose destination is likely to be Mogadishu in the Turkish military camp. Turkey trains the elite Gorgor forces who are actively involved in counterterrorism.
Puntland Maritime police boarded the vessel and recorded purported video clips of the military vehicles. Towing of the vessel was agreed following thorough security consultations within Puntland, Somalia’s most stable federal state.
A source said they believe the ship’s destination was Mogadishu, where Turkey runs a military training facility. Turkey also recently increased its military presence in Somalia. It’s unclear if the APCs are for the Turkish forces or Turkish-trained Somali soldiers.
This comes amid concerns of the proliferation of weapons within the Gulf of Aden, with the al-Shabaab accused of smuggling weapons from Yemen. Somalia recently had its arms embargo lifted by the United Nations Security Council after years of ban.
Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants are accused of illegally purchasing weapons and getting them into the country, thus the vigilance within Somali waters. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has empowered the Maritime Police to increase surveillance within its waters.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has invested in the stabilisation of Somalia, often playing a role in the country's security reforms and national development. The country supports efforts to eradicate the rise of Somalia, 35 years after the downfall.
