Turkish F-16s reportedly strike Al-Shabaab positions near Basra, Somalia

Turkish F-16 fighter jets have reportedly conducted airstrikes near Basra in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu. The strikes targeted positions along the Basra riverbank, an area where Somali government forces have been engaged in heavy ground operations against Al-Shabaab for roughly a week.

Local sources indicate the attacks caused significant casualties among militants, though these figures have not been independently verified. While the Somali Ministry of Defence confirmed a major offensive in the Basra area that resulted in the deaths of several fighters, including two senior commanders, neither the Somali nor the Turkish governments have officially confirmed the use of Turkish F-16s in these specific strikes.

The reported involvement of Turkish aircraft highlights Ankara’s expanding military and strategic role in Somalia. Turkey has maintained a significant presence in the country through the TURKSOM military training facility and has recently deepened defense, maritime security, and resource development cooperation with the Somali government.