Daijiworld Media Network - Sanaa
Sanaa, Dec 29: Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi has warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a legitimate military target, calling Israel’s recognition of the self-declared region a serious threat to regional stability.
In a televised address aired by the Houthi-run Al-Masirah channel, al-Houthi said his group views “any Israeli presence in the Somaliland region as a military target,” describing such a move as aggression against both Somalia and Yemen, and a danger to security across the wider region. He added that the Houthis would take “all possible supportive measures” in solidarity with the Somali people.
Al-Houthi, whose movement controls much of northern Yemen, accused Israel of seeking to turn Somaliland into a strategic base for hostile activities targeting Somalia, African nations, Yemen, and other Arab countries. He warned that such actions would further destabilise an already fragile Horn of Africa, and called for a united and decisive Arab and Islamic response in defence of Somalia.
The warning comes amid growing condemnation from African and Middle Eastern countries following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Somalia’s government strongly rejected the move, reaffirming that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
In a statement, the Somali Prime Minister’s Office said Israel’s recognition was unlawful and stressed that Somalia would not allow the establishment of foreign military bases or arrangements that could drag the country into proxy conflicts. The government urged all states to respect international law, non-interference, and Somalia’s territorial integrity in the interest of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Türkiye also criticised Israel’s decision, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli saying it reflected the Netanyahu government’s pattern of unlawful actions that fuel regional and global instability. He described the move as a direct interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and said any decisions regarding Somaliland’s future must reflect the will of all Somalis.
Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran echoed the criticism, calling Israel’s stance irresponsible and harmful to ongoing efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, describing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. Saudi Arabia likewise rejected the move, saying it contravenes international law and reiterating its support for Somalia’s legitimate institutions and territorial integrity.
Regional organisations also voiced opposition. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) stressed that Somalia remains a sovereign member state whose unity and territorial integrity are recognised under international law. The bloc warned that unilateral recognition of Somaliland violates the UN Charter, African Union principles, and IGAD’s founding agreement.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as provocative and unacceptable, cautioning that it could undermine regional stability. His spokesperson said any unilateral recognition sets a dangerous precedent and represents an unwarranted intrusion into Somalia’s internal affairs.
As diplomatic tensions rise, Somalia continues to rally international support against the move, while warnings such as those issued by the Houthi leadership highlight the potential security risks of further escalation in the Horn of Africa.