Houthis Threaten: Any Israeli Presence in Somaliland Will Be a Military Target for Us

SadaNews - Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi stated that he sees any Israeli presence in Somaliland as a military target for his forces, in response to Israeli recognition of what is termed the Republic of Somaliland.

Al-Houthi, in a statement reported by the Al-Masirah website affiliated with the Houthis, said they consider any Israeli military presence in "Somaliland" as an aggression against Somalia and Yemen, thus making it a military target for them.

He called on all countries on both sides of the Red Sea as well as the Arab and Islamic world to take practical steps and measures to prevent Israel from "violating Somalia."

Al-Houthi added that they will take all necessary measures to support the "Somali people," expressing his rejection of allowing a part of Somalia to become a "foothold" for Israel at the expense of Somalia's independence and sovereignty, as well as the security of the region and the Red Sea.

The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Israeli officials stated that recognition of Somaliland grants Israel strategic depth and new operational options, enhancing the air force capabilities to confront Yemen and Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last Friday the official recognition of what is called the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that was met with Arab and international condemnation.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, Turkey, and the African Union quickly condemned this announcement.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared his country's firm rejection of Netanyahu's recognition of what is known as the "Somaliland state," and to prevent the chaos and conflicts instigated by Israel in the Middle East from spilling over into his country.

Somaliland is located in the northwestern tip of Somalia, covering an area of 175,000 square kilometers, and declared its unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not received recognition from the international community.