Thursday 5 Feb 2026 {HMC} Türkiye has strengthened its military deployment in Somalia, expanding air and ground units tasked with supporting the Horn of Africa’s fight against terrorism, Turkish security officials said, as attacks intensify in and around the capital, Mogadishu.

The Somali-Turkish Task Force and Türkiye’s Air Component Command continue to improve Somalia’s counterterrorism capacity through military assistance, training and advisory activities, Turkish security officials said on Thursday.

Türkiye’s Air Component Command in Somalia has been reinforced with new deployments, and the newly assigned assets will also support Somalia’s counterterrorism operations, they said.

Somalia’s fight against terrorism

Somalia has been battling al Shabab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group, for more than a decade.

Despite sustained military pressure from Somali forces, African Union troops and international partners, the group continues to stage deadly bombings, targeted assassinations and complex attacks, particularly in Mogadishu and nearby regions.

In recent months, al Shabab has stepped up its attacks on government institutions, security forces and public gathering places, underscoring the group’s ability to exploit security gaps even as Somali authorities push ahead with a nationwide offensive.

Türkiye’s continued support

Türkiye has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest security partners, operating a major military training base in Mogadishu and providing extensive support to the Somali National Army.

Thousands of Somali troops have been trained by Turkish instructors, and Ankara has supplied equipment, technical assistance and operational guidance.

Turkish officials say the goal is to help Somalia build a self-sustaining security architecture capable of maintaining long-term stability and reducing reliance on foreign forces.

The latest reinforcements signal Ankara’s intent to deepen that partnership at a critical moment, as Somali authorities seek to consolidate gains against al Shabab and prevent the group from regaining territory.

SOURCE:TRT World and Agencies

Thursday 5 Feb 2026 {HMC} The African Union (AU) expressed condolences Thursday and condemned a terror attack in Nigeria, which killed at least 170 victims.

AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called the attack a “heinous and barbaric act,” a severe violation of human rights and an “unacceptable” attack on peace and security, according to a statement Wednesday.

Youssouf extended condolences to the victims’ families and expressed “full solidarity” with the Nigerian government and Kwara State authorities.

The AU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen peace, security and stability across the country.

The Kwara State government confirmed 75 victims were buried in a mass grave on Wednesday, but local lawmaker Saidu Baba Ahmed told Anadolu on Thursday that 170 bodies were recovered, with the death toll expected to rise.

“Information at my disposal indicated that the casualties have risen to 170. So, our people are still in the bush searching for more bodies. Thirty-five women were abducted. Survivors are also taking refuge in the bush,” he said.

Kwara State, particularly communities bordering forest belts, has in recent months faced growing security challenges linked to banditry, kidnapping and the movement of armed groups fleeing military pressure in neighboring states in the northwest and north-central regions.

SOURCE:Anadolu Agency