Somaliland Offers 2,000 Troops for Proposed Gaza Stabilization Force

Somaliland's President, Abdirahman Mohamud Abdillahi, announced on Wednesday that his nation is prepared to contribute up to 2,000 soldiers to a potential international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip, should such a request be made. The proposed force, envisioned to be led by the United States and eventually comprise around 20,000 troops, aims to ensure security in Gaza, train Palestinian police, facilitate humanitarian aid, and prevent Hamas from regaining military control.

Somaliland's offer comes as other nations have also pledged support, with Uganda agreeing to send approximately 1,200 soldiers and Morocco committing up to 500. Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo have also promised participation. Somaliland's military strength is estimated at 25,000 soldiers and 1,500 coast guard personnel.

This development follows Somaliland's recent diplomatic engagement with Israel, which officially recognized its independence in December 2025. The self-declared state subsequently opened an embassy in Jerusalem in June. President Abdillahi views this recognition as a significant boost to his country's international standing and plans to meet with U.S. Congress members to discuss potential American recognition and security cooperation.

While Somaliland possesses sufficient manpower for self-defense, it seeks advanced weaponry and technology, hoping for support from Israel, the U.S., and allies to counter Somalia's military buildup, which is reportedly supported by Turkey. The Somaliland president denied any discussions regarding the use of his country's territory or airspace by Israel for operations against the Houthis in Yemen, or any agreement to host Palestinians from Gaza as part of its rapprochement with Israel.

The existing agreement between Somaliland and Israel focuses on cooperation in security, trade, investment, and economic development, with Somaliland particularly interested in Israeli water technology.