Nairobi, Kenya (Horn Post) Ousted Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen”, who is currently in Nairobi, Kenya, has accused Turkey of carrying out airstrikes using F-16 fighter jets against areas surrounding Baidoa, alleging the operation was conducted in support of an offensive led by Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The allegations were made in a press statement dated July 6, 2026, which Laftagareen published on his official social media accounts.
According to the statement, Turkish military aircraft, including F-16 fighter jets and helicopters, participated in attacks targeting areas around Baidoa during what Laftagareen described as a military campaign led by the Somali federal government. He alleged that the strikes caused civilian casualties, injuries and damage to homes and infrastructure.
However, the statement did not provide evidence to support the claims, and they could not be independently verified.
Laftagareen further accused Turkey of providing military support to Somalia’s federal government and urged Ankara to reconsider its military involvement, saying its assistance should not be used in operations that allegedly harm civilians.
The former regional leader also called on the United Nations, the African Union, IGAD, the Arab League, the United Kingdom, and other international partners to investigate the reported airstrikes and monitor the security situation in the Bay region.
He concluded by calling for a political solution to the ongoing conflict and urged all parties to respect constitutional institutions and avoid further escalation.
As of publication, the Somalian federal government, the Turkish government, and independent international observers have not publicly responded to the allegations. Horn Post has not independently verified the claims that Turkish F-16 fighter jets participated in airstrikes near Baidoa.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Nairobi, Kenya
