Somalia warns against alleged Israeli military base in Somaliland
- Southerton Business Times
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Somalia has raised concerns over alleged plans by Israel to establish a military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, warning it does not want its territory drawn into external conflicts. The proposed base, if confirmed, would sit near the Gulf of Aden, opposite Yemen, a strategically important location that could enable Israel to conduct airstrikes and military operations across the region.
Analysts say such a presence could expand Israel’s operational reach against adversaries, including the Houthis in Yemen, as well as Iran and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
Israel became the first UN member state to recognise Somaliland’s independence in December, marking a significant diplomatic shift and deepening ties between the two. While initial reports suggested the relationship could remain diplomatic, officials in Somaliland indicated earlier this year that a potential Israeli military presence could not be ruled out.
Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory, has reacted with alarm to the developments.
Authorities in Mogadishu warned that any foreign military presence in Somaliland risks escalating tensions and drawing the Horn of Africa into broader geopolitical conflicts.
Officials stressed that Somalia does not want its territory used as a platform for external military operations or regional confrontations. The reported plans come amid ongoing regional instability linked to conflicts involving Israel and Iran-aligned groups, raising concerns about a wider escalation.
Israel Somaliland military base
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