MOGADISHU (SD) – A press statement issued by the Southwest State Presidency expressed serious concern over the use of Somali Federal Government forces and military equipment provided by the Turkish Government, which, according to the statement, have been used in attacks against the people of Southwest Somalia.

The statement noted that Somali forces trained by Turkey, and armoured vehicles intended for counter-terrorism, have been diverted for operations against the local community.

Additionally, the report stated that Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) are monitoring the movements of Federal Government forces heading toward Baidoa. The South West Presidency has indicated that these measures pose a risk to security, stability, and social cohesion, and that equipment intended for combating terrorism may have been used for other internal situations.

The press release also noted that the Turkish government has long been a close friend of the Somali people, but the current situation has raised concerns about its role in internal conflicts. “It has also been reported that Turkish drones are protecting government forces heading to Baydhabo, who intend to kill the people of South West Somalia. The Turkish government has been a friend of the Somali people, but it now seems to be participating in an internal civil war in Somalia. The statement from the Southwest Presidency has called on the Turkish Government to review its position and to prevent its equipment and support from being used to harm civilian populations, while calling for the protection of peace and coexistence.

The statement signals rising tensions between Southwest State and the Somali Federal Government, centring on allegations that military support from the Turkish Government—originally intended for counterterrorism—has been used in internal operations against local communities. This reflects deeper issues of mistrust within Somalia’s federal system, where regional authorities fear political marginalization and misuse of force by the center.

The mention of Turkish-trained troops and drone surveillance adds a sensitive dimension of foreign involvement, potentially straining Turkey’s longstanding alliance with Somalia. Overall, the situation underscores risks to security, civilian safety, and national cohesion, while serving as a political appeal for Turkey to reconsider how it supports its deployment.