The leader of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi, has issued a stern warning following Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland. In a statement released via rebel media, the Houthi chief declared that any Israeli presence in the breakaway region would be considered a “military target” for his armed forces. He characterized Israel’s diplomatic move as an act of aggression against both Somalia and Yemen, describing it as a direct threat to the security of the Red Sea and the surrounding nations on both shores.
Any Israeli presence in Somaliland will be a ‘target’: Houthi leader https://t.co/5TTT4PNwaZ pic.twitter.com/Vn7TKO2rYn
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 28, 2025
Israel announced its official recognition of Somaliland on Friday, marking the first time a major state has recognized the self-proclaimed republic since it unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991. While Somaliland has maintained a degree of stability and possesses its own currency and military, it has remained diplomatically isolated for decades. Analysts suggest that a formal relationship with Somaliland would grant Israel strategic access to the Gulf of Aden, potentially allowing for more effective military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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The Houthi threat comes amid a fragile regional truce that has seen a pause in rebel attacks since October. However, the recognition of Somaliland has drawn widespread international condemnation. Global bodies, including the African Union, the European Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have criticized the move, emphasizing the need to respect Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.
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