Somalia has expressed serious concerns regarding reports of Israel's intentions to build a military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland. This area, which Somalia claims as part of its territory despite Somaliland's declaration of independence, is strategically located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. The establishment of such a base could enable Israel to conduct airstrikes against its adversaries, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen and other hostile forces in the region, thereby drawing Somali territory into broader conflicts that Somalia seeks to avoid.

The warning follows news that Israel, which was the first UN member to recognize Somaliland's independence in December 2022, has been strengthening its ties with the region. While the precise nature of these relations remains somewhat ambiguous, the potential military implications of a base in Somaliland are significant. For Israel, the base would serve as a forward position to enhance its military operations in the region and deter threats posed by both the Houthis and, more broadly, Iran and Hezbollah.

This situation raises critical questions about the balance of power in the Horn of Africa and the geopolitical dynamics involving Israel, Somaliland, and Somalia. With Somalia firmly opposed to any foreign military presence in its claimed territory, the situation could lead to heightened tensions not only between Somalia and Israel but also within the broader regional context if military operations are initiated from the proposed base.