Turkish Troops Join First Combat Against Al-Shabaab Near Satellite Launch Site

Somalia, 26 January 2026 - The Somali National Army initiated artillery shelling on the Jabad-Godane area in Middle Shabelle region around midnight on Sunday, targeting Al-Shabaab fighters stationed approximately 20 kilometers from the SNA base in Qorilow.

The shelling persisted throughout the morning and into midday Monday. At midday, Somali National Army forces launched a ground assault on the area, supported by Turkish ground forces and officers who have been stationed at the Qorilow base in recent days.

The three-hour ground battle was led by Somali Gorgor special forces alongside dozens of Turkish troops equipped with armored vehicles and advanced weaponry, according to local sources.

Dawan’s Defence and Security Editor Mohamed Ibrahim Fanah reviewed classified footage showing Gorgor forces deploying heavy artillery during the engagement—marking the first documented use of such weaponry by Somali government forces in combat against Al-Shabaab.