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Africa Horn

Somalia: Turkish fighter jets deployed to Baidoa amid reported security fears

2026-07-07

Still bickering about whether South West State is part of Somalia or an autonomous state in federation, I see. I don’t understand why Turkey has to shove its airplane nose into the mix, though.

[GaroweOnline] Loud explosions were heard on the outskirts of Baidoa on Monday as Ottoman Turkish F-16 fighter jets were deployed to the southwestern Somali city amid heightened security concerns during the arrival of Somalia’s top leadership, according to local sources.

Residents said they heard heavy blasts and sustained weapons fire in areas outside the city, while aircraft believed to be Ottoman Turkish jets were seen operating overhead. The purpose of the air activity was not immediately independently confirmed.

The deployment came as Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other senior federal and regional officials gathered in Baidoa for the inauguration of South West State leadership, an event considered politically sensitive.

Local sources said the increased security presence, including the reported use of Ottoman Turkish aircraft, was linked to efforts to protect the visiting delegation amid fears of possible attacks or instability involving forces aligned with South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen.

Neither Somali nor Ottoman Turkish authorities immediately commented on the reported deployment or the earth-shattering kabooms.

~~The Sick Man of Europe~~ Turkey
<del>The Sick Man of Europe</del> Turkey

<del>The Sick Man of Europe</del> Turkey

...a NATO
...the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Originally it was a mutual defense pact directed against an expansionist Soviet Union. In later years it evolved into a mechanism for picking the American pocket while criticizing the cut of the American pants...
member, but not the most reliable...
maintains a long-standing military cooperation role in Somalia, providing training and advisory support, and has previously been involved in security coordination during high-level political events.

It was not immediately clear what caused the earth-shattering kabooms reported in the Baidoa area.

Mortar shelling reported in Baidoa during South West State inauguration

[GaroweOnline] Mortar shells struck parts of the southwestern Somali city of Baidoa on Monday as a high-profile inauguration ceremony was underway, according to local sources.

Witnesses said several explosions were heard across the city during the event marking the installation of South West State leadership, which was attended by Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, alongside senior federal and regional officials.

The ceremony comes amid heightened political tensions in the region, where federal authorities have been involved in disputes with the South West State leadership.

Local sources said the shelling appeared to target areas of the city during the gathering, though no immediate casualty figures were available and the situation remained unclear.

The inauguration was being held for South West State leader Aden Madobe, who won a controversial election, with federal and regional officials in attendance.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the reported shelling or its impact.

Turkish F-16 fighter jets were deployed to the city ahead of the president's arrival early today, with more troops sent to the outskirts to avert a possible attack from Lafta-Gareen's forces.

Posted by:trailing wife

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