MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Turkish media outlet TRHaber has reported that the Turkish government has accelerated the construction of a military base it is building in the Lasgaray district of the Sanaag region, following a move by Israel to establish a military base in Somaliland.
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.