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June 22, 2026

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This picture taken on Oct. 19, 2020 in Istanbul shows Turkey's third drilling ship 'Kanuni' as it enters the bosphorus near Haydarpasa port.

Turkey launches first overseas drilling mission in Somalia: What to know

A drilling ship has reached Somalia to start Turkey's first overseas drilling mission as regional rivalry heats up in the Horn of Africa.

Latest News

Analysis

Turkey’s expanding military role in Somalia draws scrutiny amid federal rift

Turkey's Camp TURKSOM, a Turkish military base south of Mogadishu, is seen from the window of an aircraft, on April 26, 2025, in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Turkey touts Somalia spaceport as Horn of Africa rivalry heats up

Somalis celebrate the victory of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he won the presidential run-off election during the celebration organised by the government in Mogadishu, on May 29, 2023. (Photo by Hassan Ali Elmi / AFP) (Photo by HASSAN ALI ELMI/AFP via Getty Images)

Unfazed by Saudi pressure, UAE unveils solar investment in Somaliland

FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images

United Arab Emirates

On first Horn of Africa trip in 10 years, Erdogan cautions Ethiopia over Somaliland

Marco Simoncelli / AFP via Getty Images

Turkish Foreign Ministry

Analysis

What’s next for Ethiopia-Somalia rift as talks in Turkey end with no breakthrough?

The two countries will meet next month for a third round, the top Turkish diplomat said.

Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Somali and Turkish foreign ministers

Ethiopia-Somalia set for second round of talks in Turkey next week

Turkey’s framework proposal for the two countries aims to secure Ethiopian access to the Red Sea while ensuring Somalia's territorial integrity.

HASSAN ALI ELMI/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Will Turkey’s military presence in Somalia lead to conflict with Somaliland?

Turkey is playing a long multidimensional game in Somalia and elsewhere in the Horn of Africa as part of its regional and global strategy, and the breakaway region of Somaliland will not change it.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

This picture taken on October 29, 2023, in Istanbul shows Turkish naval forces warship Frigates TCG F 497, Goksu sails during a military naval parade on Bosphorus to mark 100th anniversary celebrations of Turkish republic.

Somaliland warns against Turkey's naval deployment off Somalia's coast

The Turkish parliament will soon vote on a two-year mandate allowing the Turkish army to dispatch troops to Somali waters.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets with his counterpart, Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, in Ankara, on May 9, 2024.

Turkey to host second round of Ethiopia-Somalia talks in September: Fidan

The first round of talks began in Ankara on Monday with the top diplomats of Turkey, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Troops from the Ethiopian African Union Mission to Somalia on patrol, in Baidoa, Somalia, Sept. 3, 2022.

Analysis

Somalia eyes fresh external support amid fears of al-Shabab takeover

Mogadishu’s counterinsurgency effort appears to be faltering as African peacekeepers prepare to leave, fanning fears of an Afghanistan-like collapse.

Cagatay Cebe

By Cagatay Cebe

In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism

A Somali boy holds a Turkish national flag as people celebrate the victory of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he won the presidential run-off election in Mogadishu, on May 29, 2023. (Photo by Hassan Ali Elmi / AFP) (Photo by HASSAN ALI ELMI/AFP via Getty Images)

Somalia strikes by Turkish drones killed 23 civilians, including children: Amnesty

The international watchdog called on the governments of Somalia and Turkey to investigate the incidents for potential “war crimes.”

A view from a hotel roof top of downtown Mogadishu close to the site of a double truck bombs in early November in Mogadishu on November 10, 2022.

At least two staff of Turkey-based aid group killed in explosion in Somalia

Turkey-based humanitarian organization says it was targeted deliberately.

HASSAN ALI ELMI/AFP via Getty Images

After defense deal, Turkey and Somalia ink energy accord amid Somaliland tensions

Turkey is hailing its new agreement with Somalia as it works to enhance its presence in the Horn of Africa.

Ed Ram/Getty Images

Turkey confirms Somalia maritime security deal amid Somaliland tensions

Somalia ratified a defense cooperation agreement signed with Turkey earlier this month that would see Ankara help Mogadishu secure its maritime interests.

Abdikadir Mohamed Nour (L), the minister of defense of Somalia, signs a security pact with Turkiye’s Minister of Defense Yasar Guler, on Feb. 8, 2024.

Turkey, Somalia sign defense deal in wake of Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement

The deal, which includes cooperation against terrorism, comes as tensions in the Horn of Africa over a controversial deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland continue to simmer.

AMANUEL SILESHI/AFP via Getty Images

Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed downplays war risk with Somalia over Somaliland deal

Ethiopian premier has said his country has no intention of fighting with Somalia and that it's ready to negotiate with Egypt and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance (GERD) standoff.