Turkish F-16 Jets Sighted Over Mogadishu As US Intensifies Air Strikes In Somalia | Watch

Last Updated:February 03, 2026, 21:48 IST

Sightings of Turkish F-16s come amid escalating US military campaign and record air strikes in the Horn of Africa nation.

Turkish fighter jets spotted over Somali capital after Ankara confirms deployment, as Washington sharply increases air strikes against Islamist militants (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

Turkish F-16 fighter jets were seen flying at low altitude over Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, signalling Ankara’s growing military footprint in the Horn of Africa.

Visuals circulating on social media show the aircraft above the city. The development comes after Turkish officials confirmed that F-16 jets have been deployed to Somalia as part of a broader security arrangement.

News18 could not independently verify the exact date or authenticity of the visuals.

Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest international partners, providing military training, economic aid and security assistance to the conflict-hit nation.

“Turkey has deployed F-16 jets in Somalia," a Turkish government official told AFP on Thursday, without offering further details.

A second official said the aircraft would be operated by Turkish personnel stationed in Somalia and would not be handed over to Somali forces.

“This is for our own security," the official said.

Turkey opened its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu in 2017 and maintains a task force and air component command in the country. According to the Turkish defence ministry, the mission aims to strengthen Somalia’s counter-terrorism capabilities through training, advisory support and military cooperation.

The deployment follows rising diplomatic tensions in the region. Ankara recently condemned Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991. Turkey described the move as “overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs".

Somaliland has operated autonomously for decades with its own currency, army and political system. While it has enjoyed relative stability compared to the rest of Somalia, it remains diplomatically isolated. Israel’s recognition has been criticised by the African Union, Egypt, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The European Union has also insisted that Somalia’s sovereignty must be respected.

US Intensifies Strikes

The latest Turkish deployment comes amid an intensifying US military campaign against Islamist militant groups in Somalia.

The United States has sharply increased air strikes targeting Al-Shabaab and Islamic State militants in the country this year, according to data from US Africa Command.

Since January 1, the US has carried out 23 air strikes in Somalia, Africom spokeswoman Major Mahalia Frost told AFP.

US President Donald Trump significantly escalated American military operations in Somalia during his first term, ordering 219 strikes and ground operations over four years. This was a sharp jump from the 48 strikes authorised by former president Barack Obama over eight years, according to figures compiled by US think tank New America.

Trump has ordered at least 143 strikes so far in his second term, the think tank’s tally shows, marking one of the most aggressive phases of US military engagement in the region.

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