Turkey denies report of sending 15,000 troops to Somalia

Turkey’s Defense Ministry held its weekly press briefing on November 10 aboard the TCG Savarona to mark Atatürk Commemoration Day and Atatürk Week. The ministry addressed topics ranging from counterterrorism and border security to NATO activities and the defense industry.

Journalists asked whether Turkey plans to send 15,000 troops to Somalia. The ministry replied that the claim does not reflect reality.

“The claims that Turkey will send 15,000 troops to Somalia at Somalia’s request do not reflect reality.”

The ministry said Turkish forces continue to support Somalia’s counterterrorism capacity through the Somali-Turkish Task Force and the Air Forces Command. Assistance, training, and advisory activities are ongoing at Somalia’s request.

Separately, the ministry reported that one PKK terrorist surrendered during operations in the past week. Security forces also seized approximately 95 kilograms of narcotics during search operations along the borders of Van and Hakkari.

Border security figures were also shared. Since January 1, 15,846 people have been caught attempting to cross borders illegally, while 3,275 others were prevented from doing so. The total number of people blocked this year reached 62,896.

The ministry added that Turkish forces continue contributing to regional and global peace and stability. It announced that NATO EDGE 2026, involving 284 technology firms including 30 domestic companies, will take place in Izmir from March 17 to 19. The 14th Turkey-U.S. Naval Forces Conference will be hosted by Turkey from March 16 to 18.