---
title: 'Houthis Warn of Military Action if Israel Establishes Presence in Somaliland'
url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/houthis-warn-military-action-israel-presence-somaliland/'
author: 'News Desk'
date: '2025-12-29T10:48:56+05:00'
categories:
  - 'Asia'
  - 'Middle East'
  - 'World'
---

# Houthis Warn of Military Action if Israel Establishes Presence in Somaliland

**Beirut (TDI):** The leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be regarded as a military target, escalating criticism of Israel’s recent decision to recognise the breakaway region.

In a statement published on Sunday by Houthi-affiliated media, Abdulmalik al-Houthi said Israeli involvement in Somaliland would be viewed as an act of aggression against Somalia and Yemen, and a threat to regional security.

“We consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland a legitimate military target for our armed forces, as it represents aggression against Somalia and Yemen and poses a danger to the security of the region,” he said.

Israel announced on Friday that it had formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognised internationally.

**Read More: [Pakistan Joins OIC in Rejecting Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/pakistan-oic-rejecting-israels-recognition-somaliland/)**

Al-Houthi warned that Israel’s decision could have serious repercussions, describing it as a hostile move that threatens Somalia, the Horn of Africa, Yemen and countries bordering the Red Sea.

Somaliland occupies a strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and operates its own currency, passport and security forces. Regional analysts say closer ties with Somaliland could give Israel greater access to the Red Sea, potentially strengthening its ability to strike Houthi targets in Yemen.

Israel has previously carried out strikes in Yemen following the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, responding to Houthi attacks that the group said were carried out in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

**Read More: [Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/israel-first-country-recognise-somaliland/)**

The Houthis suspended their attacks after a fragile ceasefire took hold in Gaza in October. Meanwhile, Somaliland has remained diplomatically isolated despite enjoying relative stability compared with Somalia, where Al-Shabaab militants continue to carry out attacks, particularly in the capital Mogadishu.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has drawn widespread criticism, including from the African Union, Egypt, Turkiye, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The European Union has also reiterated its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.