Lower Shabelle, Somalia – The Commander of the Somali National Army’s Ground Forces, Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, and the Commander of Turkish forces based at the Turkish-Somali Training Facility (Turkisom) in Mogadishu, General Sebahattin Kalkan, visited parts of Lower Shabelle region on Wednesday to assess security operations and community development projects.
The delegation first held a closed-door meeting with local military officers stationed in Number 50, a strategic area in Lower Shabelle that has been a focus of counter-insurgency operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab. Discussions centered on operational readiness, coordination between Somali and Turkish-trained units, and accelerating joint efforts to reclaim rural areas from insurgent control.
Following the security briefing, the commanders toured the construction site of a new hospital in Number 50, a project aimed at improving access to healthcare for the local community. Both generals praised the initiative, describing it as a vital step in addressing civilian needs alongside ongoing security operations.
Lower Shabelle remains one of Somalia’s most volatile regions, frequently targeted by Al-Shabaab due to its proximity to Mogadishu and fertile farmland. Somali forces, supported by Turkish trainers under the Turkisom program, have played a key role in building the capacity of national troops and strengthening military operations. Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest allies, investing heavily in defense training, infrastructure, education, and humanitarian support.
The joint visit highlights the growing strategic cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, blending military operations with community development. It reflects a dual-track approach—combating Al-Shabaab on the battlefield while simultaneously delivering services to win public support.
As Somalia intensifies its campaign against Al-Shabaab, support from international partners like Turkey is proving crucial. The visit by Generals Sahal and Kalkan underscores the importance of joint operations, local engagement, and development projects in stabilizing one of the country’s most conflict-prone regions. The success of such efforts will be a key test for Somalia’s broader security transition in the coming years.
