Somaliland is a de facto independent state in the Horn of Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden. Known for its self-declared independence from Somalia since 1991 and strategic position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, despite lacking broad international recognition. Recently, Somaliland has pursued formal diplomatic and security ties with Israel, including mutual embassy openings and discussions of military cooperation. Last updated 21 hours ago
Houthi leader: The group is monitoring Israeli efforts to turn Somaliland into a base for controlling the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Red Sea. Any attempt by Israel to establish a presence there will be targeted "with all possible means." He said they would not wait for "weak and passive governments" to act.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz met with Somaliland's president, revealing years of covert cooperation between the two countries. "For many years we cooperated under the radar in a series of operations that will remain secret," Katz said.
Somaliland sits on the Gulf of Aden opposite Yemen.
Defense Minister Israel Katz says Israel and Somaliland have been cooperating “under the radar” for years through a series of classified operations.
Speaking alongside Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Katz said both sides are now working to expand security cooperation and strengthen together
The president of Somaliland is set to arrive in Israel tomorrow, marking his first visit. Israel is the only country that has recognized Somaliland's independence.
The top U.S. diplomat in Somalia, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Justin Davis, met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa today.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry condemned Somaliland's move to open an embassy in Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law and international resolutions that directly undermines the city's permanent status.
Somaliland will open its embassy in Israel in Jerusalem, while Israel will establish an embassy in Hargeisa, the Somaliland capital. Both embassies expected to open soon.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted Somaliland's first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Haji, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.
Sa'ar: "I was happy to host my friend at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. I congratulated him on submitting the treaty to the president of the country and on Somaliland's Independence Day - which is today."
UAE may be moving toward formal recognition of Somaliland, according to Emirati social media figures hinting at a significant step. Somaliland marks its national day tomorrow, and its first ambassador to Israel will present credentials to President Herzog in Jerusalem. Sources in Hargeisa say relations with the UAE are strong, but timing is up to Abu Dhabi.
BIG: President Abdullahi, President of Somaliland, departed today from Hargeisa on a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
Somaliland reporters are framing this as a “strategic mission to the UAE, engaging in high level talks that will shape the nation’s future on the global stage.”
The official purpose of the high level meetings has not been disclosed.
A senior U.S. delegation visited Somaliland yesterday. The commander of U.S. Africa Command met with Somaliland's chief of staff.
Somaliland officials said after the meeting that "control near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea would...
A senior U.S. delegation visited Somaliland yesterday. The commander of U.S. Africa Command met with Somaliland's chief of staff.
Somaliland officials said after the meeting that "control near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea would significantly change the U.S. approach to dealing with the Houthis and Iran."
Somaliland expressed support for the U.S. and Israel using its territory against the Houthis.
This comes a day after Israeli reports of concern that the Houthis may attempt to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
