Israeli occupation moves reported to strengthen its military presence in “Somaliland”

SANAA, July 19 (YPA) – Media reports have indicated recent Israeli occupation moves to strengthen its military presence in the Horn of Africa by establishing a military base in the region of “Somaliland.”

Indications have mounted following a visit by Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro,” to Tel Aviv last June, during which he did not rule out the establishment of the base. Concurrently, Somaliland’s Defense Minister, Mohamed Yusuf, told Reuters that Israeli forces are overseeing the training of local police and military personnel. This cooperation was further confirmed by Israeli occupation’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, who referenced a long-standing, covert relationship between the two sides.

Israeli occupation entity officially recognized Somaliland in December 2025, a move that was condemned by the Arab League, which viewed the step as serving “Israel’s” political, security, and economic objectives.

In a related development, satellite imagery analyzed by the BBC’s verification team revealed extensive development work spanning several years at Berbera Airport and adjacent naval facilities. The airport’s runway was completely upgraded by May 2026 to accommodate both civilian and military aircraft, alongside the construction of new buildings believed to serve as drone hangars.

Wim Zwijnenburg, a satellite imagery expert, confirmed that the airport is now equipped to host strategic military operations, particularly targeting the Ansarallah movement in Yemen. The images also showed the completion of a new deep-water seaport adjacent to the airport by 2025, capable of receiving military vessels and large supply ships.

YPA