Houthi Leader Issues Stark Warning Over Israeli Presence in Somaliland

Houthi Leader's Strong Stance

Sanna: Abdulmalik al-Houthi, the head of Yemen's Houthi movement, has declared that any Israeli presence in Somaliland will be regarded as a "military target." He characterized Israel's acknowledgment of the breakaway region as a significant threat to the stability of the area.

In a televised address via the Houthi-operated Al-Masirah channel, al-Houthi emphasized that his forces view "any Israeli presence in Somaliland as an act of aggression against both Somalia and Yemen, posing a danger to regional security."

He further asserted that the group would implement "all necessary supportive actions to assist the Somali people."

Al-Houthi, whose faction governs substantial territories in northern Yemen, suggested that Israel intends to use Somaliland as a base for hostile operations against Somalia, other African nations, Yemen, and various Arab states, a strategy he believes would exacerbate the region's existing instability, according to reports from a news agency.

He urged for a "decisive and serious" response from Arab and Islamic nations in support of Somalia, calling for unified efforts to counter what he described as Israeli expansionism.

In response, numerous African and Middle Eastern nations have condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity, reaffirming their commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia.

The Prime Minister's Office of Somalia stated that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia's sovereign territory, denouncing Israel's recognition as illegal.

Somalia has made it clear that it will not allow any foreign military bases or arrangements that could drag the nation into proxy wars or bring external conflicts into the region.

The Somali government has called on all nations and international partners to adhere to international law, respect non-interference principles, and act responsibly to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

On social media, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli criticized Israel's actions as a new example of the Netanyahu government's unlawful attempts to create instability on both regional and global scales.

Keceli stated that Israel's actions represent an overt interference in Somalia's internal matters, asserting that decisions regarding Somaliland's future should reflect the will of all Somalis.

In a separate post, Türkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran labeled Israel's actions as "irresponsible," highlighting the Netanyahu government's troubling history of violence and occupation, claiming this undermines ongoing peace efforts in the Horn of Africa.

Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its unwavering support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning Israel's announcement as a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

The ministry's spokesperson, Fouad Majali, emphasized Jordan's strong opposition to any attempts to create parallel entities that could threaten Somalia's unity.

Saudi Arabia has also rejected the mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland, viewing it as a breach of international law and reaffirming its support for Somalia's sovereignty.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its commitment to the legitimate institutions of the Somali state and to maintaining stability for the Somali people.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) reiterated that Somalia is a sovereign member state, with its unity and territorial integrity recognized under international law.

In a statement released on Saturday, IGAD declared that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland contradicts the UN Charter and the African Union's foundational principles.

IGAD reaffirmed its solidarity with Somalia's government and people, committing to inclusive political processes and regional cooperation for lasting peace and prosperity.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, described Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a provocative and unacceptable action that could destabilize the region.

Gamal Roshdy, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stressed that any unilateral recognition is an unacceptable interference in Somalia's internal affairs and poses a dangerous precedent for regional and global security.