MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – A group of Turkish nationals narrowly escaped an ambush by Al-Shabaab militants on the outskirts of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, while conducting natural resource exploration operations under heavy protection from Somali security forces.
Local media circulated video footage on Saturday showing the Turkish nationals being offloaded from a boat at Mogadishu beach. One appeared to be injured and was supported by two men as he struggled to walk.
According to reports, the group had travelled to the Busley area, south-east of the capital, accompanied by Somali army troops and special military police, using a number of gun-mounted technical vehicles for protection. The convoy reportedly came under sudden attack, wounding at least one soldier. Details of the assault, including the number of casualties, remain unclear.
The rescued Turkish nationals were later transported by boat back to Mogadishu, where the video captured scenes of confusion and panic as they disembarked. The timing of the incident has not been confirmed, and neither the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu nor Somali security agencies have issued any statements.
On Friday, Al-Shabaab-linked media outlets claimed responsibility for an attack in the same area, reporting the death of a Somali army officer identified as Muhyadin. The group did not mention the presence of Turkish nationals.
Turkey maintains a significant presence in Somalia, operating one of its largest overseas military bases in Mogadishu, where it trains Somali troops and police. Turkish companies manage key infrastructure and business ventures across the capital, often guarded by Turkish security personnel.
Ankara has also announced plans to build a spaceport near Mogadishu and begin offshore oil drilling in blocks it has explored along Somalia’s coast. However, critics within Somalia accuse the Turkish government of exploiting the country’s natural resources through opaque deals with local authorities.
Al-Shabaab, which continues to fight the Somali government and its allies, has repeatedly targeted Turkish interests in Somalia, viewing Ankara as a key supporter of Somali military operations. Turkish air and drone strikes have played a crucial role in backing Somali forces in their ongoing campaign against the militant group.
The latest ambush underscores the persistent threat Al-Shabaab poses in areas surrounding the capital, despite years of military offensives aimed at weakening the group’s reach.
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