By Hassan Adan
Somali National Army troops have participated in a multinational military exercise hosted by Turkey in recent days, highlighting deepening security cooperation between Mogadishu and its international partners.
The large-scale drills, organized by Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, brought together forces from several countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Cameroon, Libya, Pakistan, Syria and Saudi Arabia.
According to the Turkish National Defence ministry, the exercise was designed to enhance interoperability and joint operational capability among participating forces.
Troops carried out live-fire artillery and mortar drills, airborne operations, as well as mine detection and clearance exercises.
The training also incorporated counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) modules, reflecting the growing threat posed by drones in modern conflict environments.
Participating units conducted coordinated operations across land, maritime and air domains to strengthen multi-domain combat readiness.
Turkish authorities said the drills were conducted in a secure and controlled setting, with forces demonstrating a high degree of coordination, discipline and operational effectiveness.
Somalia’s participation comes as the Horn of Africa nation continues to rebuild and professionalize its security sector following decades of instability.
The government is working to enhance the operational capacity of its armed forces as it seeks to transition toward full security responsibility and counter persistent militant threats.
Somalia’s Defence Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, said the country’s involvement in such exercises reflects its commitment to strengthening military capabilities and international partnerships.
“Participation in joint multinational exercises is critical to enhancing the operational readiness of our forces and improving cooperation with our partners in addressing evolving security threats,” Fiqi said.
The Chief of the Somali National Army also emphasized the importance of the drills in improving tactical coordination and combat preparedness.
“These exercises provide our troops with valuable experience in joint operations, enabling them to operate effectively in complex and multi-domain environments,” he said.
In recent years, Turkey has become a key bilateral security partner for Somalia, playing a central role in training and equipping Somali forces.
Ankara operates its largest overseas military training base in Mogadishu, where thousands of Somali soldiers and officers have undergone structured military training.
Beyond defence cooperation, Turkey has expanded its engagement in Somalia through infrastructure investment, humanitarian assistance and diplomatic support, reinforcing a broad strategic partnership between the two countries.
Security analysts say participation in multinational exercises not only strengthens tactical and operational capabilities but also signals Somalia’s increasing integration into regional and international security frameworks, particularly as it aligns with partners on counterterrorism and stabilization efforts.
