Turkey has deployed two navy warships to escort the fishing vessel Mustafa Korkmaz A to Mogadishu, where it is expected to conduct exploratory and trial fishing operations in Somalia's Exclusive Economic Zone.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Two Turkish navy warships are heading to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, escorting a fishing vessel that is expected to conduct exploratory and trial fishing activities in the country's exclusive economic zone, Turkey's Defence Ministry said.
The ministry said the warships, TCG Gökçeada and TCG Yıldırım, were providing security protection and escort for the fishing vessel, named Mustafa Korkmaz A, during its journey through Somali waters.
In a statement published on social media, the Turkish Defence Ministry said the deployment was part of a rotation of Turkey's naval mission in Somalia, known as the Somali Naval Task Group.
The fishing vessel is expected to carry out exploration and trial fishing operations within Somalia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a maritime area where the country has sovereign rights to explore, exploit and manage natural resources.
The announcement highlights Turkey's expanding maritime engagement with Somalia, where Ankara has developed close defence, economic and diplomatic ties over the past decade.
The ministry did not provide further details about the fishing vessel's planned operations, including the specific locations where exploratory activities would take place or how long the mission would last.
Under international maritime law, an exclusive economic zone generally extends up to 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline. Coastal states have special rights to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources, including fish stocks, within the zone.
The deployment comes as Somalia and Turkey continue to expand their cooperation in maritime security, defence and the development of Somalia's marine resources.
Somali Report · Newsletter
Your morning briefing on Somalia's biggest stories — politics, security, business, and the people shaping the region's future.
The two countries signed a 10-year defence and economic cooperation framework agreement in February 2024. Under the agreement, Turkey committed to helping build, train and equip the Somali navy, while supporting efforts to strengthen maritime security along Somalia's extensive coastline.
The agreement also covers cooperation against illegal fishing, piracy and other activities threatening Somalia's maritime security.
Turkey has maintained a significant military presence in Somalia, including operating a military training facility in Mogadishu, where it trains Somali security forces.
The latest naval deployment reflects Ankara's growing role in supporting Somalia's maritime capabilities as the country seeks to protect its waters and develop its fishing and other marine industries.
The Somali Naval Task Group is part of Turkey's naval activities in the region, with its personnel and vessels involved in maritime security operations and cooperation with Somalia.
The arrival of the two warships and their escort mission are expected to bring renewed attention to the protection and commercial use of Somalia's marine resources, which have long been considered an important economic asset for the country.
Neither the Turkish Defence Ministry's announcement nor the information released so far provided details of the expected fishing volume or the commercial arrangements governing the vessel's operations.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
