MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The leader of Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, has warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a military target.
In a speech broadcast on Sunday on the group’s Al-Masirah TV channel, al-Houthi said: “We consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland a military target for our armed forces, as it constitutes an aggression against Somalia and Yemen and a threat to regional security.”
He added: “We will take all possible supportive measures to stand with the brotherly Somali people.”
Al-Houthi described Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region as “a hostile stance that seeks to pursue aggressive activities threatening the security of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.”
He also claimed that Israel aims to “use Somaliland as a foothold for hostile activities against Somalia, African countries, Yemen, and Arab nations.”
The Houthi leader called for a firm Arab and Islamic response, urging regional states to “stand with Somalia and support the Somali people.”
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is recognised by few countries internationally. Israel formally recognised Somaliland on Friday, prompting concern among neighbouring states and regional actors.
The Houthis control large parts of northern Yemen and have repeatedly issued warnings against perceived foreign encroachment in the region, particularly in the strategically vital Red Sea corridor.
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