Wayne Lumbasi
Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdul Malik al Houthi has issued a sharp warning that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a military target raising fresh concerns over regional stability following Israel’s recent diplomatic move in the Horn of Africa.
Speaking in a televised address carried by Houthi aligned media al Houthi condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a hostile act that threatens both Somali sovereignty and security across the Red Sea region. He said any Israeli military intelligence or strategic presence in Somaliland would be viewed as direct aggression against Somalia and Yemen and would not be tolerated.
The warning comes days after Israel announced it had formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state becoming the first country to do so.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own government security forces and institutions for more than three decades but it remains unrecognised by the United Nations and most of the international community.
Israel’s decision has triggered strong reactions across Africa and the Middle East. Somalia’s federal government swiftly rejected the move insisting Somaliland remains an integral part of Somali territory. Regional organizations and several countries have echoed that position warning that unilateral recognition could undermine stability and encourage fragmentation.
Al Houthi framed Israel’s recognition as part of a broader strategy to expand its influence along critical maritime routes. Somaliland sits on the southern edge of the Gulf of Aden opposite Yemen near the Bab al Mandeb strait a key passage for global shipping linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Control or influence in the area carries significant economic and military implications.
The Houthi leader accused Israel of seeking to establish a foothold close to Yemen under the cover of diplomatic engagement arguing that such a move would threaten regional balance and escalate tensions. He urged Arab and Islamic countries to oppose any Israeli involvement in Somaliland and to support Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The Houthis who control large parts of northern Yemen have previously targeted vessels and interests linked to Israel and its allies in the Red Sea citing solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israeli policies.
While recent months have seen relative restraint the latest warning suggests the group is prepared to broaden its focus if it perceives new threats emerging across the water in the Horn of Africa.
As diplomatic fallout continues analysts warn that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could draw the already volatile Red Sea region into deeper confrontation. With shipping lanes regional alliances and unresolved conflicts intersecting the situation highlights the fragile balance shaping security across both East Africa and the Middle East.
SECURITY ISSUES AT THE HORN OF AFRICA
ISRAEL RECOGNISES SOMALILAND AS AN INDEPENDENT STATE
U.S STRIKE IN YEMEN KILLS DOZENS OF AFRICAN MIGRANTS, SPARKS OUTRAGE
SOMALILAND OFFERS U.S. RED SEA BASE AND MINERAL ACCESS IN URGENT PUSH FOR RECOGNITION
