Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has conveyed its profound sympathy to Türkiye after a Turkish C-130 military transport aircraft went down near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border, claiming the lives of several service members. The tragedy has sent ripples of grief through the Turkish armed forces and sparked a wave of solidarity from partners across the region, including Mogadishu.
Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the country’s sorrow shortly after news of the crash broke, describing the fallen crew as men who gave everything in the line of duty. Somali officials emphasized that the loss was not only Türkiye’s to bear, but one shared by friends who have stood alongside Ankara through years of close cooperation in security, training, and development.
The message from Mogadishu reflected the deep bonds forged between the two nations—ties strengthened through humanitarian support, military partnership, and a sense of mutual respect that has grown steadily over the past decade. For many Somalis, Türkiye’s moments of hardship resonate personally, as Ankara has often been among the first to respond when Somalia faced crises of its own.
As investigations into the cause of the crash begin, Somalia affirmed that its thoughts remain with the families of the servicemen who lost their lives and with the Turkish nation as it navigates a painful chapter. The gesture of solidarity underscored a simple truth: in moments of profound loss, the partnership between Somalia and Türkiye extends beyond diplomacy, rooted instead in a bond shaped by shared struggles and unwavering support.