Turkish Troops Engage Al-Shabaab in First Direct Combat Near Somali Satellite Launch Facility

Mogadishu, Somalia – Turkish ground forces have, for the first time, directly participated in a military operation against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, joining the Somali National Army (SNA) in combat on January 26, 2026. The engagement took place in the Jabad-Godane area of the Middle Shabelle region, in close proximity to a Turkish satellite launch facility currently under construction.

Joint Operation Against Al-Shabaab

The operation commenced with artillery shelling by the Somali National Army on the Jabad-Godane area, targeting Al-Shabaab fighters stationed approximately 20 kilometers from the SNA base in Qorilow. This shelling persisted throughout the morning before SNA forces launched a ground assault. Turkish ground forces and officers, who had recently been stationed at the Qorilow base, provided support during the three-hour ground battle.

The assault was spearheaded by Somali Gorgor special forces, with a contingent of about 10 Turkish soldiers equipped with armored vehicles and advanced weaponry offering critical assistance. Following the intense fighting, government forces successfully took control of Jabad-Godane and its surrounding areas. Al-Shabaab militants were reportedly forced to retreat towards the town of Hawadley, a known stronghold for the group. While casualties were confirmed on both sides, detailed figures have not yet been released.

Strategic Importance of the Satellite Facility

The combat zone's proximity to the Turkish satellite launch facility under construction highlights the strategic importance of the area. Turkish forces are actively working to establish a robust security perimeter around the installation to safeguard it from potential threats. Reports indicate that Turkey plans to secure a substantial area, potentially extending hundreds of kilometers, around the launch site. Recent deployments of Turkish military cargo aircraft to Mogadishu are believed to be part of efforts to bolster security and support construction at this critical site.

Turkey began construction of this significant satellite and rocket launch site on Somalia's Indian Ocean coast in December 2024. The project, overseen by the Turkish Space Agency, is a substantial investment, with estimates ranging from US$350 million to $6 billion. Somalia's equatorial location offers a strategic advantage for rocket launches, reducing fuel consumption and increasing payload capacity. The facility is designed for both orbital launches and the testing of long-range missile systems.

Turkey's Expanding Role in Somalia

Turkey has maintained a significant military presence in Somalia since 2017, establishing Camp TURKSOM, its largest overseas military base, to train the Somali National Army, including the elite Gorgor commando unit. This long-standing security partnership has seen Turkey train approximately 16,000 Somali soldiers. An agreement signed in 2024 is expected to expand Turkey's military footprint in Somalia to as many as 2,500 soldiers by 2026.

The direct involvement of Turkish troops in combat underscores Ankara's deepening commitment to Somalia's stability and its efforts to counter the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab continues to be a major security challenge in Somalia, controlling considerable territory and launching frequent attacks. In related developments, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) also conducted airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Godane from January 25-26, 2026.