A fierce brawl broke out between Somali soldiers and their Turkish trainers, resulting in 51 Somalis injured, one of whom is in critical condition.
The incident took place just days ago at the Turkish Commando Training Center in Isparta, a city in southwestern Turkey famously known as the “City of Roses.”
The confrontation reportedly erupted during a football match at the training facility. According to rumors circulating after the event, the clash began when Turkish personnel allegedly insulted the Somali trainees, sparking a heated exchange that quickly escalated into violence. By the end of the altercation, 51 Somali soldiers had sustained injuries, with one left fighting for their life.
This is not the first time tensions have boiled over at the Isparta training camp. In October 2020, a similar violent episode unfolded between Somali trainees and Libyan soldiers at the same location, highlighting ongoing challenges in the facility.
Located in Asia Minor, Isparta is renowned for its rose production, but this latest incident casts a shadow over its reputation. Far from being welcomed with roses, the Somali soldiers found themselves caught in a brutal confrontation with their Turkish hosts. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the clash or the condition of those injured, but the event has raised questions about the dynamics within the training program.