Turkish navy to launch maritime security mission off Somalia’s coast

The Turkish Navy is set to officially launch a maritime security operation off the coast of Somalia starting next Monday, with at least four naval vessels expected to participate in the joint mission.

According to reports, the ships will form part of a Turkish–Somali maritime task force responsible for providing naval protection in Somali waters. The operation aims to secure offshore activities related to oil and gas exploration as well as other commercial projects jointly undertaken by the two countries.

The deployment follows a broader defense and energy cooperation agreement signed between Somalia and Turkey in 2024. Under the deal, Turkish companies were granted permission to explore potential oil and gas resources located in Somalia’s maritime zones.

The agreement also commits Turkey to assist Somalia in strengthening coastal security and improving the operational capacity of the country’s naval forces.

Officials from the Ministry of National Defense of Turkey said the warships will also support the research and drilling vessel Çağrı Bey, which sailed toward Somali waters in mid-February.

The vessel is expected to carry out deep offshore exploration aimed at identifying commercially viable oil and gas deposits within Somalia’s maritime territory.

Turkish authorities say that if exploration efforts are successful, drilling operations could begin in 2026 along Somalia’s coastline. Such a development would mark a historic milestone, potentially leading to the first commercial extraction of oil from Somalia’s offshore reserves.

The initiative highlights the growing strategic partnership between Somalia and Turkey, particularly in the areas of security, maritime protection, and energy development, as Somalia seeks to unlock its natural resource potential while safeguarding its territorial waters.