Reports Say Dozens of Israeli Troops Deployed in Somaliland

Somali media reported that about 50 Israeli soldiers have recently been deployed in Somaliland, apparently as part of mutual security arrangements between the sides. A senior Somali official quoted by Middle East Eye claimed that Israel deliberately chose troops of African descent, especially Ethiopians, so they would not attract attention and could blend into the local population.

The reports come after Israel formally recognized Somaliland last December, becoming the first country to do so, and later appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador there. According to the story, the Israeli deployment began soon after renewed fighting with Iran at the end of February, and could have wider strategic value.

The article also said Somaliland provided Israel with another military site that could serve as a stopover for long-range Air Force flights to Iran if needed. At the same time, analysts assessed that Israel is seeking to establish a naval presence in the Red Sea, in part to counter Houthi threats from Yemen.

Defense Minister Israel Katz recently acknowledged that cooperation between the countries is not new. In a meeting with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, he said, “For many years we have cooperated under the radar in a range of operations that will remain classified. Now we are determined to bring security cooperation to new heights, for the benefit of both peoples and for regional stability.” Somaliland Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali denied that Israel has a permanent base in the country, but said Israel is providing security assistance, including training parts of Somaliland’s police and army.