Turkish F-16s carry out airstrikes near Somali capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish F-16 fighter jets carried out airstrikes near Basra in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region, where government forces have been battling Al-Shabaab for about a week, local sources said.

The strikes targeted positions along the riverbank in Basra, around 35 kilometres (22 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu. Local sources reported heavy casualties, including deaths and injuries, although the number of casualties has not been independently verified.

Somali government forces have been conducting military operations around Basra and other parts of Middle Shabelle for a week in an effort to push Al-Shabaab away from strategic areas along the river.

There was no immediate official statement from the Somali or Turkish governments confirming the strikes, their targets or the number of casualties.

Turkey has significantly expanded its military and strategic presence in Somalia in recent years. Ankara opened its TURKSOM military training facility in Mogadishu in 2017, where thousands of Somali soldiers have received training, strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

The two countries have also deepened cooperation in maritime security, infrastructure and natural resources, including agreements on the exploration and development of Somalia's oil and gas reserves.

The reported use of Turkish F-16s in operations near Mogadishu underlines the growing scope of Ankara's military role in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE