The Turkish Parliament has formally approved a presidential decree extending the Turkish Navy’s operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, its vicinity, and the waters of Somalia and the country’s coasts for another year.
The decision was adopted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in a meeting held on Tuesday, with the new operation period taking effect from February 10, 2026.
During the session, MP Khulusi Akar of the ruling AK Party, Chairman of the Turkish Parliament’s Défense Committee and former Défense Minister, said that Turkey’s presence in Somalia is also thwarting plans to isolate Turkey.
Khuluusi Akar stressed that the Turkish military presence in Somalia, including warships, is similar to the support Turkey has provided to other countries such as Libya and Azerbaijan, and is a sign of support for a friendly and brotherly country.
According to the presidential statement presented to parliament, the Turkish Navy has been working effectively since February 10, 2009 to ensure the security of commercial vessels flying the Turkish flag or affiliated with Ankara.
The statement also indicated that Turkey is playing a prominent role in international efforts to combat piracy, armed attacks at sea, and acts of terrorism at sea, further strengthening the security of strategic waterways in the region.