September 18, 2024
Turkish naval forces warships Frigates TCG F 494, Gokceada (front) and TCG Karayel, P 349, on October 29,2023 in Istanbul [OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images]
Turkiye is reportedly set to deploy frigates to Somali waters to protect a Turkish vessel conducting energy research and exploration, amid concerns regarding potential threats to the ship in those waters.
According to a report by the outlet, Middle East Eye, which cited two sources familiar with the matter, Turkiye is practising significant vigilance regarding the safety of its ‘Oruc Reis’ vessel, particularly as it is assigned to operate in the open ocean off the coast of Somalia.
Set to conduct a 3D seismic study in the area, which Turkish Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, last week said “had never been done before”, the vessel has exclusive access due to Turkish Petroleum’s licence for three areas – each field amounting to 5,000 square kilometres – in Somali waters.
The move is a result of a landmark defence and economic cooperation deal between Turkiye and Somalia signed back in February, with the aim to directly strengthen Somalia’s maritime defence capabilities and to help establish and develop its naval forces.
Although it was reportedly in response to Ethiopia’s own agreement with the breakaway state of Somaliland – granting Addis Ababa the right to build a military port there – a month prior, it came amid existing and accelerated defence relations between Ankara and Mogadishu.
A key component of the Turkish-Somali deal, however, is the authorisation given to Turkiye to protect Somali waters against external threats, including that of pirates, as well granting it rights to explore and drill energy sources in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone.
The frigates are assigned that task of protection, according to the report, and will accompany the research vessel to the Somali waters during its scheduled deployment next month.
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