Turkey’s f-16 jets kill Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia air strikes, defense ministry says

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Turkish F-16 fighter jets carried out a series of air strikes against Al-Shabaab targets in southern Somalia on Tuesday, killing about 35 militants and wounding more than 20 others, Somali Defense Ministry said.

The strikes, conducted in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), targeted caves, weapons caches and militant hideouts in the Godey area of the Lower Shabelle region, the ministry said, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat the Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group.

“The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Republic of Türkiye, conducted a series of airstrikes this morning using F-16 fighter aircraft in the Godey area of Lower Shabelle, targeting caves, weapons caches and hideouts used by Al-Shabaab terrorists,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The airstrikes eliminated approximately 35 Al-Shabaab terrorists, while more than 20 others sustained serious injuries,” the ministry added.

The ministry said a series of large secondary explosions followed the strikes, indicating the presence of weapons stockpiles, explosive materials and other military supplies at the targeted location.

“Following the strikes, a series of large secondary explosions occurred at the targeted site, indicating the presence of weapons stockpiles, explosive materials and enemy military supplies. The site was also occupied by militants and vehicles loaded with explosives that had been prepared for use in terrorist attacks against Somali civilians,” the ministry said.

The ministry also thanked Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in counterterrorism operations.

“The Ministry of Defence extends its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in the fight against and eradication of terrorism,” the statement said.

There has been no independent confirmation of the government’s claims.

The air strikes came on the eve of Somalia’s Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday, when the country marks the anniversary of southern Somalia’s independence from Italy and its union with the northern territories, which gained independence on June 26, 1960, four days earlier.

Türkiye has expanded its air operations in Somalia in recent years, and the latest strike comes amid growing scrutiny over civilian casualties linked to foreign-partner air raids.

Recent air strikes in Al-Shabaab-held areas, including Kuntu-Warey in the Lower Shabelle region, Jamame and other locations, have resulted in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries.

Civilian casualties have also continued to be reported in northeastern Somalia’s Puntland region, where regional forces are battling the Islamic State affiliate in Somalia. Foreign-partner air strikes conducted in support of those operations have also been linked to civilian deaths.

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