The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has denied claims that Turkey will send 15,000 troops to Somalia. Ministry sources responded to journalists' questions following the weekly press briefing held on November 12.
In an assessment regarding the Turkish military presence in Somalia, it was stated that activities in the country continue within the framework of military aid, training, and consultancy. Ministry sources stated, “Our Somalia-Turkish Task Force and Air Element Command stationed in Somalia continue to contribute to the development of Somalia's counter-terrorism capacity through military aid, training, and consultancy activities. In this context, the claims that 15,000 troops will be sent to Somalia by Turkey upon Somalia's request do not reflect the truth.”
BORDER AND OPERATION INFORMATION
Information regarding the activities of the Turkish Armed Forces, border security, the defense industry, and international military cooperation was also shared at the meeting. The MSB reported that 1 PKK terrorist surrendered in the last week.
It was announced that approximately 95 kilograms of narcotics were seized during search and sweep operations conducted on the Van and Hakkâri border lines. It was stated that 552 people, 3 of whom were members of a terrorist organization, were apprehended at the borders in the last week, and the illegal crossing attempts of 3,275 people were prevented.
According to information provided by the Ministry, the number of people apprehended while trying to cross the border illegally since January 1 has reached 15,846, while the number of those whose crossings were prevented has reached 62,896.
The MSB also announced that the NATO EDGE 2026 event will be held at the İzmir Fair Center on November 17-19. It was stated that a total of 284 technology companies, 30 of which are domestic, are expected to participate in the event, where NATO's technological needs and cooperation with the defense industry will be discussed.
The Ministry also reported that the 14th Turkey-USA Naval Forces Cooperation Meeting will be hosted by Turkey on November 16-18. The statement also included information regarding the contacts of Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler within the scope of Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and COP31.
Under the defense industry heading, it was announced that the inspection and acceptance activities of the Yılkı Gözükara System by the Land Forces Command have been completed, and that the Fırtına howitzer weapon system and spare parts have been delivered by the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE). The MSB also announced that applications for the 2026 Band Class Commissioned Petty Officer Candidate Procurement and Commissioned Petty Officer Procurement will continue until November 23.
News Source: 12punto
