Hornpost
“The F-16 aircraft belong to our Turkish brothers who support us. My earlier remarks were cut short by the microphone,” Somali’s Defense Minister
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Horn post) The Federal Government of Somalia has moved to clarify conflicting public statements regarding the presence of Turkish F-16 fighter jets in Mogadishu, after earlier remarks by the defense minister suggested the aircraft belonged to Somalia’s armed forces.
Somalia clarifies defense minister’s remarks after claims that Turkish F-16 fighter jets in Mogadishu belonged to Somalia were later denied by himself after Turkish request.
The controversy began when Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, stated during a formal handover ceremony between the outgoing and incoming commanders of the Somali National Army that F-16 fighter jets had been “brought for the Somali National Army.” His comments sparked widespread speculation that Somalia had acquired advanced combat aircraft, with some reports claiming the country had become the third African nation, after Egypt and Morocco, to operate F-16 jets.
The Somali government had not publicly addressed the presence of the aircraft prior to the minister’s remarks, which drew significant attention on social media and regional news platforms.
Later, Tuesday evening, Minister Fiqi issued a clarification, denying that Somalia owns the fighter jets and stating that they belong to Türkiye.
“The F-16 aircraft belong to our Turkish brothers who support us. My earlier remarks were cut short by the microphone,” the defense minister said, walking back the implication that the jets were Somali owned.
Government sources subsequently emphasized that Somalia has not acquired F-16 fighter aircraft and that the jets seen in Mogadishu were Turkish military assets. Officials did not provide details on the purpose or duration of their presence in the country.
Türkiye remains one of Somalia’s closest security partners, providing military training, infrastructure, and operational support as Mogadishu continues efforts to rebuild its national armed forces amid ongoing security challenges.
Observers say the episode highlights the sensitivity of defense-related messaging and the importance of clear communication at a time when Somalia’s security sector reforms and international partnerships remain under scrutiny.
Prepared:
Horn post staff reporter
MOGADISHU, Somalia
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