(27 Mar 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud departed for an official visit to Turkey on Thursday, following an invitation from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The trip comes at a tense moment, as Al-Shabab steps up its activity across Somalia.
The two leaders are expected to discuss deepening bilateral ties—particularly in defence, security, and counterterrorism. The visit will also see the signing of new military agreements, including the activation of Turkish-made Bayraktar combat drones recently delivered to Somalia.
“The partnership between Somalia and Türkiye is strategic and longstanding,” Villa Somalia said in a statement. “This visit will strengthen cooperation in defence, economic development, education, and counterterrorism.”
The drone deal reportedly includes provisions for airstrike coordination, munition supplies, and specialist training for Somali forces. President Mohamud is also scheduled to meet with executives from Baykar, the manufacturer of the drones.
The president’s trip follows reports that Al-Shabab militants captured Masaajid Ali Gaduud, a strategic town in Middle Shabelle, after a pre-dawn assault involving explosives. The town lies roughly 40km from Adale, where President Mohamud had been stationed earlier in the week.
Earlier this week, Somali military officials said dozens of Al-Shabab fighters had retreated into Bay and Bakool regions, part of South West State, after suffering heavy losses in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan.
“They’re on the run,” said General Hassan Isaq Omar, commander of the 60th Division. “But they’re trying to open new fronts, and we’re tracking their movements closely.”
The situation on the ground remains fluid, with renewed scrutiny on battlefield coordination and the sustainability of gains made during recent offensives.
Halqabsi News
