HARGEYSA — Authorities in Somalia’s northwestern breakaway region of Somaliland have denied reports that Israel is seeking to establish a military base in the territory, following threats from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement against any Israeli presence in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland’s Defence Minister, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, told Reuters that there is no Israeli military presence in the region and that no discussions are underway regarding the establishment of an Israeli military base.
“There is no Israeli military presence in Somaliland, and there are no talks concerning the opening of an Israeli base,” the minister said, dismissing reports of such negotiations as “rumours.”
However, he acknowledged that Israel has provided training support to Somaliland’s military and police forces, without elaborating on the scope or duration of the cooperation.
The remarks come after Houthi authorities in northern Yemen warned they would act against any Israeli military presence in Somalia or elsewhere in the region within their operational reach.
In a statement, the Houthis said they would target any entities linked to Israel operating through the Red Sea or in territories accessible to their forces, amid escalating regional tensions linked to the conflict in Gaza.
The group has repeatedly launched missile and drone attacks against Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, saying the operations are in solidarity with Palestinians.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition, occupies a strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
Reports of a possible Israeli military presence have fueled speculation in recent weeks, although neither Israeli authorities nor Somaliland officials have announced any plans for a military base.
The developments come amid growing geopolitical competition in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region, where international powers are seeking to expand their security and economic influence.
