MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish naval vessels deployed as part of the Somali Naval Task Group are continuing to escort and protect a Turkish drilling operation off Somalia’s coast, according to Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence.
The ministry said the frigates TCG Göksu, TCG Gelibolu and TCG Bartın are carrying out escort and protection duties for the Çağrı Bey drilling vessel and its support ships, Korkut, Altan and Sancar.
The deployment is linked to Türkiye’s expanding maritime cooperation with Somalia, which includes support for offshore energy activities and efforts to strengthen Somalia’s maritime security capacity.
Türkiye and Somalia signed a 10-year defense and economic cooperation framework in 2024 under which Ankara committed to help build, train and equip the Somali Navy. The agreement also provides for cooperation on maritime security, including efforts against piracy and illegal fishing.
The Turkish naval presence has grown alongside Ankara’s involvement in Somalia’s offshore energy sector. The Çağrı Bey drilling vessel has been operating off the Somali coast as part of Türkiye’s exploration activities, with Turkish naval vessels providing security for the operation.
The continued deployment comes as Somalia seeks to develop its maritime resources while strengthening its ability to secure its long coastline. Turkish officials have said their naval cooperation with Somalia also supports broader efforts to counter maritime threats.
The TCG Göksu recently docked in Mogadishu as part of the Turkish Naval Task Group’s activities in Somalia, underscoring the expanding scope of the maritime partnership between the two countries.
Türkiye has also maintained a longstanding role in international maritime security efforts around the Horn of Africa and Gulf of Aden. Ankara says its naval forces have participated in anti-piracy operations and have provided training to Somali naval and coast guard personnel.
The latest mission illustrates the increasingly close connection between Somalia’s emerging offshore energy ambitions and its evolving maritime security partnership with Türkiye.
