Turkish warships to escort fishing vessel in Somalia's EEZ waters

On July 21, 2026, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey approved a two-year extension of the deployment permission for Turkish forces in Somalia, effective July 27. The authorisation covers areas jointly determined by the two countries, including Somali maritime jurisdiction, and lists protection of Somali economic resources among its purposes.

Turkish group OYAK established SOMTURK in Somalia on December 11, 2025, with the Somali National Fishing Company. Under an agreement with the Somali Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, SOMTURK supports the ministry in administering licensing for international fishing in the EEZ.

OYAK said in March 2026 that the Turkish-flagged Ergun Reis A had received the first international fishing licence issued under the arrangement.

Somalia's 2023 fisheries law requires a licence or authorisation for test fishing, reserves waters within 24 nautical miles of the baseline for Somali-owned vessels, and prohibits the use of trawl nets.