HARGEISA — Somaliland’s Defence Minister Mohamed Yusef Ali has denied reports of any Israeli military presence or negotiations to establish a foreign base in the self-declared republic, dismissing the claims as “rumors” and “misinformation”.
Speaking to Reuters on Tuesday, Ali said there were “no talks whatsoever” regarding the establishment of an Israeli military installation in Somaliland, rejecting recent media reports suggesting that security cooperation could extend to basing arrangements.
“There is no Israeli military presence in Somaliland,” the minister said. However, he confirmed that Israel is involved in training Somaliland’s military and police forces under existing security cooperation programmes.
He stressed that the engagement is strictly limited to capacity-building support, including training and technical assistance, and does not involve foreign troop deployments or any permanent military infrastructure on Somaliland territory.
The clarification comes amid heightened regional speculation over Somaliland’s expanding diplomatic and security partnerships, as the territory continues its long-standing push for broader international recognition.
In recent months, Somaliland has increased engagement with several foreign partners on security and maritime issues, reflecting its strategic position along key shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden and the approaches to the Red Sea.
Officials in Hargeisa have repeatedly rejected suggestions that the territory is hosting — or preparing to host — foreign military bases, insisting that all external cooperation remains advisory in nature and focused on strengthening
