By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 6 January 2026 A high-level Turkish delegation, led by Turkish Special Forces Commander Ünsal Hayal arrived in Mogadishu Tuesday for key engagements amid growing Horn of Africa security threats.
The high-level delegation also includes the Head of the Foreign Relations Department for the Turkish National Police Gökhan Demirtola and his deputy Turgay Olgun.
The officials were received at Mogadishu Airport by senior Somali Police Force officers and other federal government officials.
The purpose of the visit is to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries, with the delegation scheduled to hold meetings with senior Somali government officials.
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The Turkish special forces, known as Özel Harekât, are part of the national police's special operations and counterterrorism unit. Established in 1990, the unit conducts counterterrorism operations, hostage rescues, high-risk arrests, and other security operations in dangerous situations.
Though Özel Harekât is part of the Turkish National Police, they closely collaborate with Turkey’s military, particularly in counterterrorism operations and missions in conflict zones.
The Turkish Special Forces have been actively working within Turkey and other countries like Iraq and Syria. They play a critical role in ensuring internal and external security. The security cooperation between Turkey and Somalia has significantly enhanced the relationship between the two countries, with new plans aimed at further improving police cooperation.
