Somaliland offers to host US military bases in exchange for “strategic advantages”
HARGEISA, March 14 (YPA) – Somaliland has offered the United States to relocate its main military bases in the Gulf region to the coastal city of Berbera, amid escalating regional tensions, in a remarkable diplomatic initiative.
The proposal, published via the official Republic X account, included an invitation for Washington to move Al Udeid Air Base (currently based in Qatar) and the Fifth Fleet (based in Bahrain) to its territory.
Somaliland justified this offer by expressing a desire to reduce what it described as “strategic risks” resulting from reliance on unpredictable partners in the region.
Somaliland offered a comprehensive “package of benefits” to entice the American side, including military and economic aspects:
- Geopolitical location: Providing direct access to the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, the vital gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
- Mineral resources: Granting mining rights for vital minerals including lithium, gold, copper, and tin.
- Energy sector: Providing exclusive rights to explore for oil and gas in 24 onshore and offshore areas, with reserves estimated at 1 billion to 5 billion barrels.
- Infrastructure: Confirmation of the readiness of facilities in the city of Berbera to receive US forces immediately.
Observers believe this move is part of Somaliland’s efforts to strengthen its strategic position and gain broader international recognition of its sovereignty by consolidating security and economic partnerships with major powers.
YPA