By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – The leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a legitimate military target, sharply escalating opposition to Israel’s reported decision to recognise the self-declared region.
Speaking on Monday, Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi said Israel’s involvement in Somaliland constitutes an act of aggression against both Somalia and Yemen, and poses a serious threat to regional security.
“We consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland a military target for our armed forces, as it represents aggression against Somalia and Yemen and a threat to the security of the region,” al-Houthi said, according to a statement published by Houthi-affiliated media.
Israel announced on Friday that it had officially recognised Somaliland, marking the first time any country has extended formal recognition to the territory. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognised.
Al-Houthi warned that the move would have far-reaching consequences, describing it as a hostile act targeting not only Somalia and its African neighbours, but also Yemen, the Red Sea region, and countries along both of its shores.
Somaliland, which lies along the strategically important Gulf of Aden, has long sought international recognition. Despite its lack of formal recognition, the region operates with its own currency, passport system, and security forces.
Following Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, Israel has carried out repeated strikes in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on Israeli-linked targets. The Houthis have said their actions were carried out in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland has drawn widespread criticism from regional and international actors, including the African Union, Egypt, Türkiye, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The European Union has also reiterated its position that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected.
