The chief of Yemen's Houthi rebels, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, issued a stark warning on Sunday, declaring that any Israeli presence in the breakaway region of Somaliland would be considered a legitimate military target for his forces. This threat marks a significant escalation in rhetoric following Israel's announcement on Friday that it was officially recognizing Somaliland.
A Direct Threat and Its Strategic Implications
In a strongly worded statement, al-Houthi framed Israel's diplomatic move as an act of aggression. "We consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland a military target for our armed forces, as it constitutes aggression against Somalia and Yemen, and a threat to the security of the region," he stated. He further warned that the recognition carried grave consequences, labeling it a hostile act targeting Somalia, its African neighbors, Yemen, and the vital Red Sea waterways.
Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland is a first for the self-declared republic, which unilaterally split from Somalia in 1991. Despite operating with its own currency, passport, and army for decades, Somaliland has remained largely diplomatically isolated. Analysts suggest Israel's motivation is strategic: gaining better access to the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, which could enhance its ability to counter Houthi activities in Yemen.
Regional Backlash and the Shadow of War
The Houthi warning is not an isolated reaction. Israel's recognition of Somaliland has been met with widespread condemnation from key regional and international bodies, including:
- The African Union
- Egypt and Turkey
- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The European Union also reiterated the importance of respecting Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This collective disapproval underscores the delicate political landscape of the Horn of Africa.
The threat also revives tensions from the recent Gaza conflict. The Iran-backed Houthis had repeatedly launched attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, prompting Israeli airstrikes on targets in Yemen. These hostilities only paused with the fragile Gaza truce that began in October. Al-Houthi's latest statement signals that any Israeli foothold in Somaliland could reignite this volatile front.
An Unstable Region and an Uncertain Future
Somaliland, though relatively more stable than the rest of Somalia, exists in a complex geopolitical space. Somalia itself continues to grapple with attacks from the Al-Shabaab militant group. Israel's move is seen as potentially destabilizing, altering long-standing diplomatic calculations in the region.
The Houthi leader's declaration transforms a diplomatic gesture into a potential military flashpoint. It positions the group as a defender of Somali sovereignty and regional security, while directly challenging Israel's efforts to expand its strategic partnerships. The international community now watches to see if this war of words leads to concrete actions, further complicating security in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
