Somalia expresses concerns over potential Israeli military presence in Somaliland

Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Warns Against Israeli Military Presence

Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, has expressed concerns that his country’s territory could be used as a launching pad for military operations if Israel establishes a base in Somaliland. The warning comes after reports emerged of Israeli plans to establish a military installation near the strategic port city of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden.

According to Omar, Somalia does not want to see its territory involved in external confrontations or used to further destabilize an already sensitive region. He stated that the Federal Government is the only authority empowered to enter into international security arrangements on behalf of the country, and any discussions about foreign military facilities outside this framework have no legal standing.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not secured recognition from any UN member state until Israel’s move to recognize the breakaway region in December. The two governments have had differing views on Somaliland’s status, with Somalia continuing to claim sovereignty over the territory.

Reports suggest that Israeli officials have discussed establishing a military presence in Somaliland, although details of these plans remain unclear. The US-Israeli war on Iran has escalated, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed and Iranian threats of attacks on shipping. Yemen’s Houthis have also warned against an Israeli presence in Somaliland, describing it as a “hostile stance” and “legitimate target”.

The development comes amid growing focus on shipping lanes in the Middle East, particularly in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Source: Al Jazeera