Somaliland delegation eyes Israeli military presence to strengthen cooperation against Houthis

Somaliland and Israel should forge a military partnership that could potentially involve an Israeli military presence in the country, according to Ahmed Dirie, chairperson of the executive committee of the Israel and Somaliland Friendship Association. Dirie, who led a visiting delegation, stated that the strategic location of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait gives it significant importance.

Dirie emphasized that an Israeli military presence could help Somaliland combat the Houthis and ensure regional security. He reiterated that if Somaliland received assistance from Israel, it could effectively counter the Houthis and provide safe passage for operations. Dirie further suggested that Israel and Somaliland could assist each other in the event of an attack, highlighting the mutual interest in thwarting Houthi aggression.

The delegation's discussions follow months of rumors about the possibility of an Israeli military base in Somaliland. While Somaliland Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali denied any current Israeli military presence and dismissed ongoing discussions about establishing a base, he acknowledged that Israel is training Somaliland's military and police personnel.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi also hinted at the future potential of an Israeli military partnership, stating that it was not ruled out should cooperation between the two countries continue to deepen.