Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – The leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a military target, sharply escalating opposition to Israel’s recent decision to recognise the self-declared region.
Abdel-Malik al-Houthi said on Monday that Israeli involvement in Somaliland represents an act of aggression against both Somalia and Yemen and poses a serious threat to regional stability.
In a statement circulated by Houthi-affiliated media, he declared that the group’s armed forces would treat any Israeli presence in the territory as a legitimate target.
Israel announced on Friday that it had formally recognised Somaliland, becoming the first country to extend official recognition to the territory. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has remained unrecognised by the international community.
Al-Houthi warned that Israel’s move would have far-reaching consequences, describing it as a hostile act not only toward Somalia and its neighbouring African states, but also toward Yemen, the Red Sea region, and countries along both of its coastlines.
Somaliland, which occupies a strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, has long sought international recognition. Despite its lack of formal status, it operates with its own government institutions, currency, passport system, and security forces.
Tensions between Israel and the Houthis have risen since October 2023, when Israel launched its war on Gaza. Since then, Israel has carried out multiple strikes in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks, which the group says are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel’s 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 reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.