Yemen’s Houthi movement has issued a sharp warning to Israel, declaring that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a military target. The statement, released by Houthi media on Sunday, marks the strongest reaction so far to Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.
Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi said that Israeli involvement in Somaliland would be viewed as an act of aggression against both Somalia and Yemen, and as a direct threat to regional security. He cautioned that Israel’s move would have serious consequences for the wider Red Sea region and countries along its shores.
Israel announced on Friday that it had formally recognised Somaliland, becoming the first country to do so. Somaliland has operated as a self-declared state since 1991, with its own institutions, currency, and security forces, despite lacking international recognition.
Analysts say Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden could give Israel improved access to the Red Sea, potentially increasing pressure on the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Israel has previously carried out strikes in Yemen following Houthi attacks linked to the Gaza war.
Israel’s decision has been widely criticised by regional and international actors, including the African Union and several Muslim-majority states, who have reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty.
