News|US-Israel war on IranSomalia warns against any Israeli base plans on SomalilandSomali minister tells Al Jazeera Israeli base plans in Somaliland risk dragging Somalia into ‘external confrontations’.

Somalia has issued a statement asserting that its territory should not serve as a base for military operations. This follows reports concerning Israel's potential establishment of a military base in Somaliland, located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.

Ali Omar, Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the Somali Federal Government is the sole authority for international security or military agreements. Any foreign military discussions outside this framework lack legal validity.

Somaliland, despite declaring independence in 1991, remains unrecognized by Somalia. Recently, Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state, marking a significant diplomatic development.

Reports have indicated potential Israeli plans for a military installation near Berbera, a strategic port city. Khadar Abdi, Somaliland’s Presidency Minister, acknowledged the pursuit of a strategic relationship with Israel but noted that discussions about a military base had not been finalized.

Concerns over regional instability have been heightened due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, affecting critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The closure of these routes impacts global trade and regional security.

Yemen’s Houthi movement, aligned with Iran, has expressed readiness to enter the conflict and has previously warned against an Israeli presence in Somaliland. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden remain critical corridors for global trade, with instability affecting the broader Horn of Africa.

The US Embassy in Djibouti has reiterated warnings to US citizens about the potential spread of conflict, highlighting concerns over the security of military bases in the region.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.