Inside Somalia’s Reliance on Turkish Military Support

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey’s Defense Ministry on Sunday denied reports circulating on social media that Somalia had received T129 ATAK attack helicopters, clarifying that the aircraft remain under Turkish control.

Officials said the helicopters recently seen at a ceremony in Mogadishu belong to Turkish forces operating in Somalia and are not part of the Somali National Army’s inventory. They emphasized that the aircraft are used for training and operational purposes by Turkish personnel stationed in the country.

Security sources added that recent military equipment deliveries to Mogadishu, including vehicles and light arms, are based at the TurkSom training facility, where Turkish forces provide instruction to Somali soldiers. They said no advanced aircraft have yet been officially handed over to Somali forces.

The clarification comes amid widespread social media reports suggesting Somalia had acquired the T129 helicopters, a claim Turkish officials said is inaccurate. “The T129 helicopters remain part of the Turkish mission in Somalia and are not Somali military assets,” a defense ministry official said.

Analysts say the situation highlights Somalia’s continued reliance on foreign military support for training and equipment, and underscores that significant advancements in the country’s defense capabilities are closely linked to its partnerships with external allies.

GAROWE ONLINE