Inside Somaliland: The Israel-Turkey clash coming to the Horn of Africa
Inside Somaliland: The Israel-Turkey clash coming to the Horn of Africa Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has been framed as giving it a launchpad to strike Yemen’s Houthis across the Red Sea, but Israel could also be on a collision course with an even more strategic foe and US ally in the Horn of Africa: Turkey. Officials and analysts in Somaliland say their diplomatic normalisation with Israel…
Somaliland, a nation only recognized by Israel, has found itself at the center of a potential clash between two strategic powers in the Horn of Africa: Israel and Turkey. This scenario has emerged after Somaliland's historic recognition of Israel in January 2026, an action widely condemned by the broader Muslim and Arab world. However, the motivations behind this normalization may extend beyond just Israel.
Officials and analysts in Somaliland suggest that the move was partly aimed at countering Turkey's expanding military presence in their country. A senior foreign affairs advisor to Somaliland's president, Mohamed Osman Fadal, has expressed this concern, stating that Turkey has already stationed F-16s in Mogadishu and is contemplating the establishment of a drone base in Somalia.
This perspective paints a picture of a delicate balance of power in the region, where Somaliland's decision to recognize Israel may be a strategic move to safeguard its sovereignty against what it perceives as Turkey's growing influence.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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