MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Turkey plans to deploy warships to Somali waters to protect a Turkish energy research vessel that will explore and drill for energy sources in Somalia’s exclusive economic zone, as required by a recent agreement between Ankara and Mogadishu, Middle East Eye reported on Tuesday.
Under a deal signed between Turkey and Somalia earlier this year, Ankara is authorized to protect Somali waters against external threats and has been granted the rights to explore and drill for energy sources in Somalia’s coastline.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar told Turkish media last week that Turkish Petroleum holds a license for three areas in Somali waters, each covering 5,000 square kilometers. Bayraktar added that the Oruc Reis will conduct a 3D seismic study in the area, “which has never been done before.”
He also said that Turkish naval forces would guard the ship. Two sources familiar with the issue stated that Ankara was planning to deploy two frigates and additional auxiliary ships to secure the area and prevent piracy and land-based threats.
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