Türkiye reinforced its growing maritime role off East Africa as two of its naval vessels conducted exercises in the Indian Ocean while traveling to Somalia.
The TCG Kemalreis and TCG Yzb. Güngör Durmuş carried out the training during their voyage as part of the Somalia Naval Task Group, according to Türkiye’s National Defense Ministry.
Officials released images from the exercise but provided no details about the maneuvers, their duration or the precise area where they were conducted.
The deployment came as Ankara continued to build its defense relationship with Mogadishu under a 10-year defense and economic cooperation agreement signed by the two countries in February 2024.
The framework includes Turkish assistance in developing Somalia’s maritime defense capabilities and protecting its extensive coastline from threats including piracy and illegal fishing.
Türkiye has also expanded its activities into energy exploration in Somali waters, adding another strategic interest to its presence in the western Indian Ocean.
Turkish naval vessels have provided security for offshore exploration operations, including the deployment of the Çağrı Bey drilling ship to Somali waters.
The latest exercises underscored Türkiye’s widening military and economic engagement with Somalia as maritime security remains an important concern around the Horn of Africa and nearby shipping routes.
source:thechronicle.com
