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The Turkish Navy will initiate a maritime security operation off Somalia starting next Monday, deploying at least four naval vessels. This operation is part of a Turkish-Somali maritime task force focused on protecting offshore activities related to oil and gas exploration.

The deployment stems from a 2024 defense and energy cooperation agreement, which permits Turkish companies to explore resources in Somalia's maritime zones. Turkish officials indicated the warships would support the research vessel Çağrı Bey, currently heading towards Somali waters for deep offshore exploration. Successful exploration may lead to drilling operations in 2026, marking a potential first for commercial oil extraction in Somalia.