Turkiye to deploy frigates to Somalia waters to protect Turkish research vessel

Turkiye is reportedly set to deploy frigates to Somali waters to protect a Turkish vessel conducting energy research and exploration, amid concerns regarding potential threats to the ship in those waters. According to a report by the outlet, Middle East Eye, which cited two sources familiar with the matter, Turkiye is practising significant vigilance regarding the safety of its ‘Oruc Reis’ vessel, particularly as it is assigned to operate in the open ocean off the coast of Somalia. Set to conduct a 3D seismic study in the area, which Turkish Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, last week said “had never been done before”, the vessel has exclusive access due to Turkish Petroleum’s licence for three areas – each field amounting to […]