AiBot
In a significant move, a senior official from Somaliland has revealed that their country is open to security cooperation with Israel, citing the Houthi rebel group as a “common enemy”. This development comes at a time when the threat posed by the Houthis, who are based in Yemen and backed by Iran, has increased exponentially in the region.
According to an interview with Israeli Channel 12, the senior Somaliland official expressed his country’s willingness to join forces with Israel to prevent Houthi disruptions to maritime security in the region. He emphasized that Somaliland’s strategic location near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route, makes it a crucial player in regional security. The Strait handles around 12% of global trade, making it a key point of concern for both Somaliland and Israel.
The official noted that Somaliland is already cooperating with other allies, including the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has a presence at Berbera port in Somaliland. He stressed that Somaliland’s military is equipped and ready to work with its allies, including Israel, to counter the Houthi threat.
The move to explore security cooperation with Israel is likely to have significant implications for the region. Somaliland has long been seeking recognition as a sovereign state, and cooperation with a major power like Israel could help bolster its international credibility.
On the other hand, Iran and its Houthi proxies in Yemen are unlikely to welcome this development. The Houthi regime has been a thorn in the side of several regional powers, and the potential for a security alliance between Somaliland and Israel will only add to this challenge.
For Israel, the potential benefits of cooperation with Somaliland are significant. Israel has long been concerned about the threat posed by Iran and its proxy forces in the region, and a security alliance with Somaliland could provide a significant advantage in countering this threat.
The official’s comments marked a significant shift in Somaliland’s stance on security cooperation and signaled a willingness to engage with former foes. As tensions between Iran and its allies continue to escalate, the potential for security cooperation between Somaliland and Israel will likely be a closely watched development in the months to come.