MOGADISHU, Somalia — June 30, 2026 —Somalia’s Federal Government said Tuesday that Turkish F-16 fighter jets participated in an airstrike against alleged Al-Shabaab positions in the Godey area of Lower Shabelle region, marking what officials described as the first known use of the aircraft in direct operations targeting the militant group inside Somalia.
According to Somali military officials, the strike was conducted jointly by the Somali National Army (SNA) and Turkish forces during the early hours of Tuesday. The operation reportedly targeted underground shelters, weapons depots, and locations used by Al-Shabaab fighters.
Officials said the airstrike took place in Godey, an area in Lower Shabelle that has witnessed repeated military operations against Al-Shabaab in recent years.
According to government sources, the operation was designed to disrupt militant infrastructure and weaken the group’s operational capabilities in the region.
The Somali government stated that the strike focused on facilities believed to be used by Al-Shabaab for storing weapons and coordinating activities. Authorities did not immediately provide information regarding casualties or damage assessments.
There was no independent verification of the claims, and Al-Shabaab had not publicly commented on the reported strike as of Tuesday evening.
Security sources said assessment teams were expected to review the impact of the operation and determine the extent of damage inflicted on the targeted sites.
Government Statement:
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Federal Government of Somalia said that the Somali National Army, in coordination with Turkish forces, carried out an airstrike in the Godey area of Lower Shabelle region using Turkish F-16 fighter jets. According to the government, the operation targeted caves, weapons storage facilities, and shelters allegedly used by Al-Shabaab militants. Officials described the strike as part of ongoing efforts to degrade the group’s operational capabilities and disrupt its activities in southern Somalia. The government did not immediately provide casualty figures or an independent assessment of the damage caused by the operation.
According to local sources, residents in nearby communities reported hearing aircraft overhead and explosions in the targeted area during the morning hours. However, reports regarding casualties or damage could not be independently verified.
Military operations in rural areas often make immediate verification difficult due to security restrictions and limited access.
Lower Shabelle remains one of Somalia’s most strategically important regions and has long been a focus of military campaigns against Al-Shabaab.
The militant group continues to control or influence parts of rural southern Somalia despite years of operations by Somali forces, local clan militias, and international partners.
Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest security partners over the past decade. Ankara has provided military training, equipment, infrastructure support, and security assistance to Somali institutions.
The Turkish military training facility in Mogadishu has trained thousands of Somali soldiers since its establishment and has become a central pillar of bilateral defense cooperation.
In recent years, Somalia has increasingly relied on a combination of ground offensives and air operations to target Al-Shabaab leadership, logistics networks, and operational bases.
The reported involvement of Turkish F-16 fighter jets represents a notable development in the military partnership between the two countries, although officials have not disclosed whether similar operations could occur in the future.
Security officials are expected to conduct post-strike assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the operation and determine whether additional actions are required.
Military sources indicated that counterterrorism operations in Lower Shabelle and neighboring regions are likely to continue as Somali forces seek to disrupt Al-Shabaab activities and secure key population centers.
Authorities have not announced whether further details regarding the strike will be released.
The reported use of Turkish F-16 fighter jets in Somalia would represent a significant expansion of military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey. It would also signal increased external support for Somalia’s ongoing campaign against Al-Shabaab.
The operation highlights the Somali government’s continued reliance on international security partnerships as it seeks to weaken militant networks across the country. Air power has increasingly become an important component of counterinsurgency efforts in areas where ground operations face logistical and security challenges.
For residents of Lower Shabelle, sustained military operations could affect local security conditions, particularly in areas where Al-Shabaab maintains influence. At the same time, concerns regarding civilian protection and humanitarian access often remain central issues during military campaigns.
