According to the report, Ankara views this development as one that could affect regional security and strategic interests, prompting it to strengthen its military presence in Somalia, particularly in the northeastern part of the country.

The Lasgaray district, which is under the administration of Puntland, is said to be hosting the construction of the base with the approval and cooperation of the Turkish government and the Federal Government of Somalia.

Turkey has long been a key military and security partner of Somalia, providing training to Somali forces and contributing to security support and counterterrorism efforts.

So far, there has been no official statement from the Federal Government of Somalia or the Puntland administration detailing the acceleration of the base’s construction. However, this move comes at a time when the Horn of Africa is experiencing shifting security dynamics and increasing competition among foreign powers.

The TRHaber report also indicates that Turkey aims to strengthen its role in the region and prevent any actions that could disrupt the security balance in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan strongly opposed Israel’s interference in the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following Israel’s claim that it had recognized the Somaliland administration.

Reports indicate that an agreement related to the protection of Somalia’s coastline, signed by the two countries last year in 2024, is now being implemented, with the Turkish Navy set to conduct operations to safeguard Somalia’s territorial waters.

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Erdoğan reaffirmed that Turkey stands ready to host and facilitate dialogue aimed at achieving both an immediate ceasefire and a durable, long-term peace agreement between the two warring nations.

During his visit to Ankara, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced strong confidence in Turkey’s role as a mediator. He emphasized that Turkey’s diplomatic channels have been crucial in maintaining dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow at a time when direct communication remains difficult.

Zelensky also announced that he is hopeful about resuming prisoner-exchange operations before the end of the year, noting that Turkey’s involvement has greatly accelerated negotiations on this front.

The two leaders held an extensive meeting attended by senior ministers and security officials from both sides. Their discussions followed a series of direct negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations held in Istanbul in recent months.

The first round of talks, held in mid-May, marked the first substantive face-to-face meeting between Russia and Ukraine in years.

Although the meeting did not yield a ceasefire, both sides agreed on a significant humanitarian measure: a large-scale exchange of prisoners of war, involving roughly 1,000 detainees from each side.

A second round of negotiations took place in early June, also in Istanbul. While the delegations again failed to reach a ceasefire, they secured another major agreement—this time focusing on the exchange of seriously wounded or ill prisoners, as well as young soldiers aged 18 to 25.

The agreement also included provisions for returning the remains of fallen soldiers, representing a rare moment of cooperation amid ongoing military hostilities.

Despite these humanitarian advances, the parties remain sharply divided on the terms of a broader truce. Ukraine continues to push for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, whereas Russia has so far offered more limited “localized pauses” lasting only a few days, primarily intended to retrieve wounded personnel and bodies from the battlefield.

Turkey has sought to bridge this gap. Erdoğan has publicly proposed hosting a leader-level summit that could bring together Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and potentially other international figures, in hopes of generating momentum toward a comprehensive peace framework.

Moscow has not yet committed to such a meeting, and high-level negotiations remain stalled.

Zelenskyy has stated that Ukrainian negotiators have continued exchanging proposals through Turkish intermediaries.

He also presented Turkey with documentation concerning hundreds of Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the conflict—a humanitarian issue Kyiv has prioritized in every round of talks.

While a full peace agreement still appears distant, Turkey’s active mediation has yielded concrete results in the form of large-scale prisoner exchanges and renewed diplomatic channels.

Ankara continues to position itself as a crucial intermediary capable of maintaining communication between the parties and pushing the process forward, even as the broader political and military landscape remains uncertain.

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The C-130 cargo aircraft left Azerbaijan for Turkey and crashed in Georgia on Tuesday, leaving chunks of twisted metal strewn across a grassy knoll.

Ankara has not provided a reason for the crash, but said Turkish and Georgian authorities had started investigations at the site.

In a live speech, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said: “Our plane’s black box has been found, and inspections have begun. We have recovered the remains of 19 of our martyrs. Our search for the remains of the last martyr continues.”

Footage from the site near the border with Azerbaijan showed ambulances, firetrucks and army vehicles in the area around the burned fuselage, with search-and-rescue teams scanning the grounds.

Ankara said it was closely coordinating with Azerbaijan and Georgia on the probe.

U.S. defence firm Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab, which makes the C-130 Hercules, said it was committed to helping the investigation.

The C-130 Hercules, which is used widely by air forces around the world, is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft capable of operating from unprepared runways.

Its versatile airframe allows for cargo, troop and equipment transport, airborne assault and reconnaissance missions, making it a mainstay tactical airlifter for many militaries.

Unverified social media videos on Tuesday showed the plane breaking apart in the air and then corkscrewing toward the earth in a blaze.

Some analysts have said footage and images indicate the plane broke apart mid-flight, adding that Turkey’s fleet of C-130s is old and in need of renewal, despite the aircraft’s reliability.

“The footage appears to show the tail section separating in-flight and fuel streaming from the wingtip valves, suggesting the crew may have been dumping fuel for an emergency landing,” said Jarrod Phillips, a former U.S. Air Force C-130 specialist.

FlightRadar24 and two Turkish defence analysts said the plane that crashed was 57 years old and had entered the Turkish Air Force in 2010.

Last month, the Turkish Defence Ministry unveiled an agreement with Britain to procure 12 C-130J aircraft. The planes will undergo maintenance and modernisation in Britain and later begin their service for Turkey, it said.

In an accident in 2017, a U.S. KC-130T Hercules plane crashed in Mississippi, killing all 16 people on board. Witness accounts at the time said the aircraft came down while on fire in a flat spin. The incident report said the cause was improper repairs on a corroded propeller blade, leading to a failure.

Tuesday’s crash was Turkey’s deadliest military incident since February 2020, when Russian-backed Syrian forces killed 33 Turkish troops in Idlib, northwest Syria, where Turkey was supporting rebels looking to oust the Syrian government.

Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Jonathan Spicer and Thomas Derpinghaus

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In a press release issued this week, the Ministry clarified that the T129 ATAK helicopters recently seen during a ceremony at the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu remain under Turkish control and are part of Ankara’s ongoing military operations in Somalia—not assets of the Somali National Army.

“The T129 ATAK aircraft currently deployed in Somalia belong to the Turkish Armed Forces and are being used to support Turkey’s missions in the region,” the statement read. “These aircraft have not been delivered to the Somali government.”

Security sources in Mogadishu also confirmed that the helicopters are operated by Turkish forces stationed in Somalia as part of bilateral defense cooperation.

They emphasized that Somalia’s armed forces do not currently possess any attack helicopters or comparable advanced military aircraft.

Officials familiar with the matter told Kaab TV that the helicopters, along with other recently imported military equipment, are stationed at the TurkSom Military Training Base—a major facility where Turkish instructors train Somali troops.

They added that while new military vehicles have been brought into the country, no modern combat aircraft have been registered under the Somali government’s name.

The clarification follows recent statements from Somali authorities announcing efforts to modernize the country’s defense capabilities with new weapons, vehicles, and training support from allied nations, including Turkey.

However, the Turkish Ministry’s confirmation underscores that while Ankara continues to play a leading role in strengthening Somalia’s security forces, the T129 ATAK helicopters remain property of the Turkish Armed Forces and have not been officially transferred to Somali ownership.

Turkey has been a key partner in rebuilding Somalia’s defense sector since 2011, providing military training, logistical support, and infrastructure development under the TurkSom program—the largest Turkish overseas military training mission.

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The event, organized under the auspices of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK), is expected to serve as a major platform for deepening economic cooperation and fostering sustainable partnerships.

According to Nail Olpak, Chairman of DEİK, the volume of trade between Turkey and Africa is projected to surpass $35 billion by the end of 2025, with a long-term target of reaching $40 billion in the near term, and $50 billion to $70 billion in subsequent phases.

Strong Trade Performance in 2025

From January to August 2025, Turkey’s exports to Africa reached $14.6 billion, while imports from African countries totaled $7.7 billion, reflecting a solid trade performance and a growing demand for mutual economic engagement.

Turkey’s key exports to Africa during this period included:

• Machinery and equipment

• Iron and steel products

• Automobiles and spare parts

• Electrical appliances

• Plastic goods

• Food products, including flour, confectionery, and cooking oil

On the other hand, Turkey’s major imports from Africa comprised:

• Energy resources

• Automobiles and automotive components

• Cocoa and agricultural commodities

• Raw minerals and ores

In 2024, total Turkish imports from Africa had reached $11.3 billion, indicating increasing economic interdependence.

Diversifying Trade and Targeting New Markets

Chairman Olpak emphasized the importance of diversifying Turkey’s export markets in Africa, which have historically centered around North African countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya.

Turkey now aims to broaden its economic footprint across Sub-Saharan Africa by focusing on emerging economies and new trade hubs.

“It is essential that we increase the variety of goods we export and move away from an export structure that is overly concentrated in a few countries,” Olpak stated. “This strategy will ensure more balanced and sustainable trade relations.”

He highlighted key sectors expected to drive the next phase of economic collaboration:

• Green and renewable energy

• Infrastructure and urban development

• Agriculture and food security

• Health technologies

• Digital economy and e-commerce

• Apparel and textile industries

• Defense and contracting services

Strategic Agenda and Development Goals

Olpak also elaborated on Turkey’s broader strategy in Africa, which is built on mutual benefit, sustainable development, and long-term cooperation.

Key priorities on the strategic agenda include:

• Expansion of Turkish Eximbank’s financing options for trade and investment

• Promotion of free trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties

• Enhanced participation in Africa’s defense and infrastructure sectors

• Increasing scholarships and educational opportunities for African students in Turkey

• Support for logistics hubs and local manufacturing collaborations across African nations

“Turkey’s approach is not just limited to North Africa,” he added. “We are actively expanding into Sub-Saharan Africa through logistics centers and local production partnerships, ensuring that Turkish products are increasingly visible and accessible in African domestic markets.”

High-Level Participation and Expectations

The 2025 forum is expected to witness strong political and business participation, including:

• President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan

• Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat

• Senior government officials and business leaders from over 50 African countries

Over 4,000 business representatives from Turkey and all African countries are anticipated to attend the forum, which will feature bilateral business meetings, panel discussions, sector-specific workshops, and investment forums.

The priority sectors to be discussed at TABEF include:

• Agriculture and food processing

• Renewable energy

• Mining and natural resources

• Automotive industry

• Textiles and apparel

• Transport and logistics

• Defense and security

• Digital technologies and innovation

The Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum continues to play a crucial role in shaping a mutually beneficial and future-oriented partnership between Turkey and African nations, aligned with global development goals and regional integration efforts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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According to Turkish broadcaster NTV, the initiative aims to ensure the protection of civilians by designing cities to serve as fortified zones, capable of withstanding hostile strikes. This concept includes constructing reinforced buildings, secure underground shelters, and implementing infrastructure that can support emergency operations during wartime.

Sources indicate that Turkish security officials are increasingly alarmed by what they perceive as a rising risk of conflict, particularly with regional adversaries. Among the potential threats highlighted is Israel, which Turkish officials reportedly suspect of working to weaken the influence and power of major Muslim nations, with Turkey being a primary target.

In addition to urban defense restructuring, MiT has also recommended the development of an advanced early warning system. This would include widespread deployment of sirens and alert systems to warn the population of incoming attacks or security breaches. The system would function similarly to those used in countries facing frequent missile threats.

While no immediate threat has been officially identified, Turkish authorities are emphasizing the importance of readiness. The evolving geopolitical climate, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean, has contributed to a heightened sense of urgency within Turkish defense circles.

By taking these measures, Turkey aims to bolster national resilience and ensure rapid civilian response in the event of war or large-scale aggression. The proposal underscores a strategic shift in how the country plans to manage emerging security challenges and protect its population in an increasingly volatile international landscape.

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In addition to the ATAK helicopters, Turkey has also transferred two utility helicopters to the Somali Navy as part of a broader defense agreement signed between the two countries in February 2024. The agreement includes Turkish support for training and building professional naval forces in Somalia.

Last year, several Somali pilots completed training in Turkey to operate the T129 helicopters. The aircraft were recently transported to Mogadishu following the pilots’ final qualification.

President Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey will continue and expand its support for Somalia in the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab, according to a statement released by the Turkish Presidency.

This military assistance comes at a politically sensitive time in Somalia, as the country prepares for its 2026 elections. The Somali government has expressed its intention to hold direct elections, a move opposed by some opposition groups.

Turkey remains a key strategic partner to Somalia, not only in defense but also in economic development. Turkish-operated firms currently manage vital infrastructure such as Mogadishu’s airport and seaport—major sources of revenue for the Somali government.

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These negotiations mark the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since March 2022. However, prospects for a breakthrough were dampened further after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that progress was unlikely without a meeting between himself and Putin.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s sentiment, telling reporters in the Turkish resort city of Antalya that Washington had “low expectations” for the talks set to take place in Istanbul.

The head of the Russian delegation, presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky, said he expected the Ukrainian team to arrive for the start of discussions at 10 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Friday. “We are ready to work,” Medinsky said in a video posted on Telegram. He also noted that his team held “productive” discussions on Thursday evening with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Zelenskiy criticized Putin’s absence and the makeup of the Russian delegation, calling it a “decorative” team that signals a lack of seriousness about ending the war. Russia, in turn, accused Ukraine of trying to stage a political “show” around the talks.

“We can’t go chasing Putin around the world,” Zelenskiy said after meeting Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. “This is personal disrespect — to me, to Erdogan, to Trump. No scheduled meeting, no agenda, no senior officials. I feel disrespected by Russia.”

Zelenskiy confirmed that he would not travel to Istanbul and said his delegation’s mandate was strictly to negotiate a ceasefire.

A decree issued by Zelenskiy named Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as head of Ukraine’s delegation. Other members include deputy heads of Ukraine’s intelligence services, the deputy chief of the general staff, and the deputy foreign minister.

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