Israel is reportedly seeking to establish a military base in Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia, to enhance its security measures against threats from Yemen’s Houthis and bolster its surveillance capabilities over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
This strategic initiative, as reported by Middle East Monitor, reflects Israel’s broader regional ambitions and highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
Not only Israel, but also other countries such as India, China, Russia, and the U.S. have expressed interest in establishing a military base in Somaliland. Ethiopia, a neighboring country, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hargeisa granting access to a naval base and port facilities.
Somaliland, which operates autonomously but lacks formal recognition from most countries, has garnered international interest due to its strategic location. Bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia, and boasting a 460-mile coastline along the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland is positioned near critical maritime routes through which nearly a third of the world’s maritime cargo passes.
