The Turkish government has strengthened its air and ground military support to assist Somalia in its fight against terrorism.
The Somali-Turkish task force and the Turkish air command are thus continuing to improve counter-terrorism capabilities by increasing personnel.
Turkish military assistance, consisting of training and advisory activities, comes as Somalia faces a new wave of terrorist attacks perpetrated by Al-Shabab.
Turkey has become one of Somalia's closest security partners. It operates a major military training base in Mogadishu and provides considerable support to the Somali National Army.
Somalia has been fighting Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, for more than a decade. Despite sustained military pressure from Somali forces, African Union troops, and international partners, the group continues to carry out deadly attacks, targeted assassinations, and complex operations, particularly in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.
In recent months, Al-Shabab has intensified its attacks on government institutions, security forces and public gathering places, highlighting the group's ability to exploit security gaps even as Somali authorities continue their nationwide offensive.
