Türkiye sustains efforts to bolster Somalia’s security through military training at TURKSOM

The Turkish Armed Forces have continued to conduct training activities for Somali soldiers at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy to promote peace and stability in Somalia, Anadolu news agency reports.

According to Anadolu, the Somali Turkish Task Force Command (STGK) was established by the Framework Agreement between Türkiye and Somalia.

The Military Training Cooperation Agreement took effect after a Turkish Task Force Protocol and the Turkish Task Force Council of Ministers Decision in 2015. The training operations commenced on September 30, 2017.

The TURKSOM base carries out activities such as improving the organisation, training, military infrastructure, and logistics systems of the Somali Armed Forces (SSK), as well as providing training support and assistance.

TURKSON also offers military students combat training and internship opportunities.

While TURKSOM provides support for the establishment and development of the Somali National Army, advisors within STGK carry out on-site advisory activities at the levels of the Presidency, Ministry of Defence, General Staff, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Units trained by Türkiye have been conducting operations to re-establish state authority, particularly in the Galguduud and Hirshebelle regions, in central and northern Somalia since 2023.