Israel eyes Somaliland base to strike Yemen’s Houthis as Iran war escalates
The decision sparked strong objections from Federal Government of Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) - Israel is exploring the possibility of establishing a strategic base in Somaliland as part of a broader effort to monitor and potentially target Yemen’s Houthi movement, according to a report by Bloomberg published Wednesday.
Citing Somaliland officials and sources familiar with the discussions, the report says Israeli authorities have been assessing several potential sites along Somaliland’s coastline, including elevated terrain west of the port city of Berbera.
The location sits roughly 260 kilometers across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, making it strategically positioned to observe developments across the Red Sea corridor.
The discussions come after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state in December.
The decision sparked strong objections from Federal Government of Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory.
According to the report, Somaliland authorities could allow Israel to establish intelligence-gathering capabilities and potentially conduct operations targeting the Houthis—also known as Ansar Allah—the Iran-aligned group controlling large parts of northern Yemen.
Sources cited by Bloomberg said a delegation of Israeli security officials visited Somaliland’s coastline in June to survey possible locations for a military installation or strategic facility.
Israeli representatives also reportedly rented secured rooms in a hotel in Hargeisa while assessing a possible site for an Israeli diplomatic mission.
Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, acknowledged that security cooperation between the two sides is being considered, though he stopped short of confirming plans for a military base.
“In terms of security, we will have a strategic relationship and that encompasses a lot of things,” Abdi told Bloomberg. “We haven’t discussed with them if it becomes a military base, but definitely there will be an analysis at some point.”
The potential partnership comes amid rising regional tensions involving Israel, Iran and the United States.
The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and have also targeted Israel during the Gaza conflict, saying their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians.
An Israeli general told Bloomberg that a specialized intelligence unit has been established to monitor Houthi military capabilities, including long-range rockets believed capable of reaching Israeli territory.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government.
Despite maintaining relative stability and holding regular elections, the territory has struggled to gain broad international recognition.
Meanwhile, Berbera already hosts strategic infrastructure backed by the United Arab Emirates.
In 2017, Somaliland approved an Emirati agreement allowing the development of a military facility there, while the port itself is operated by the Dubai-based company DP World.
Mogadishu has repeatedly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.