Somalia: Turkish Troops in First Combat with Al-Shabaab

By Shire Abdi - Reporter

Somalia, 26 January 2026 Turkish forces have, for the first time, directly participated in a military operation in Somalia against Al-Shabaab, assisting Somali forces in repelling an attack by the group in Shabelle region.

The battle, which lasted for three hours, took place in the Jabad Godane area, located in the Warsheekh district of the Lower Shabelle region, where a planned satellite launch center by Turkey is set to be built in Somalia.

A contingent of about 10 Turkish soldiers, equipped with armored vehicles and advanced weapons, participated in the battle, providing critical support to the Somali forces who were fighting Al-Shabaab. Local residents and Somali Armed Forces officials confirmed to Dawan Media that the Al-Shabaab militants, who had launched the attack, retreated to the nearby Hawadley area.

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Jabad Godane, which has previously witnessed skirmishes and battles between government forces and Al-Shabaab, is also close to the planned location for Turkey’s satellite launch center in Somalia. Reports suggest that Turkey aims to secure the areas around the satellite launch center to prevent any security threats to the facility.

The security partnership between Somalia and Turkey continues to grow stronger. Since the two countries signed various agreements on security and development, Turkey’s support for Somalia’s military forces in terms of training, equipment, and technology has steadily increased. This battle highlights Turkey's growing role in supporting Somalia’s security and in regional efforts to combat terrorism.

Jabad Godane will be significant for both Turkey and Somalia, as it is close to key locations for Turkey’s satellite projects in Somalia. This cooperation is part of a broader plan by both countries to strengthen their relationship and enhance security collaboration in the region.

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