Turkey Extends Naval Mission in Somali Waters for Another Year

Turkey, 21 January 2026 Turkey’s Parliament has approved a presidential motion to extend Turkish Navy’s deployment in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, surrounding regions, and Somali territorial waters for an additional year.

The Grand National Assembly passed the motion by a majority vote on Tuesday. The extension will take effect from 10 February 2026, ensuring the continued presence of Turkish naval forces in these strategically important maritime areas.

Former Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar, now a lawmaker from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said Turkey’s presence in Somalia plays a key role in countering what he described as “plans aimed at encircling Turkey.” He added that Turkey’s military engagement in Somalia, including the deployment of naval assets, is comparable to its roles in Libya and Azerbaijan, characterizing it as support for a “friendly and brotherly nation.”

Turkey’s naval mission has been contributing to international efforts to ensure the security of commercial vessels flying the Turkish flag or linked to Ankara since 10 February 2009. Turkish authorities say their forces have played a significant role in joint international operations to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism.