By Micah Jonah, March 12, 2026
Somalia has cautioned that its territory cannot be used for foreign military operations after reports surfaced suggesting Israel plans to establish a base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.
Ali Omar, Somalia’s state Minister for foreign affairs, stressed that only the Federal Government can authorize international military agreements, warned that any unilateral discussions in Somaliland have no legal standing.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but has lacked international recognition until Israel’s move in December 2025, has indicated a “strategic relationship” with Israel, though details remain aunclear. Somaliland officials have denied formal military arrangements, describing engagement with Israel as “purely diplomatic.”
The warning comes amid escalating US-Israel military action against Iran, with regional allies like Hezbollah and the Houthis signaling potential involvement. The situation has raised concerns about the security of key shipping lanes, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, critical corridors for global trade.
Omar highlighted the risks to civilians, stating that steps exposing Somali communities to broader geopolitical conflicts are “not in the interest of our people.”
