Burning the Turkish Flag: Anger Grows in SouthWest state of Somalia Over Airstrikes

BAIDOA, Somalia — Civilians in parts of Somalia’s southwest state have staged protests over alleged airstrikes in areas near Baidoa, with some demonstrators burning the Turkish flag, according to reports and videos circulated on social media.

The protesters expressed anger over Turkey’s growing military role in Somalia, accusing Ankara of involvement in airstrikes that they said had caused damage to civilians and property in rural areas.

Some demonstrators said farmland and livestock had been affected by the strikes, although the claims have not been independently verified.

The protests reflect growing concern among some local communities over the involvement of foreign military partners in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab, particularly as Turkey has expanded its military and security cooperation with the Somali federal government.

There was no immediate official confirmation from Turkish authorities that their forces carried out the alleged strikes, and the circumstances surrounding the reported airstrikes remained unclear.

Turkey has been one of Somalia’s closest international partners, providing military training, equipment and other forms of support as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen its forces and combat the Al-Shabaab insurgency.

The reported protests come amid heightened political and security tensions in South West state, where relations between the regional administration and the federal government have also deteriorated.

The alleged airstrikes and demonstrations are likely to intensify scrutiny of foreign military operations in Somalia, where civilians in conflict-affected areas remain vulnerable to the consequences of fighting and air operations.

GAROWE ONLINE