Israel reveals years of secret security cooperation with Somaliland

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Israel has revealed that it maintained years of undisclosed cooperation with Somaliland before the two sides brought their relationship into the public spotlight, marking a significant development in growing Somaliland-Israel relations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made the remarks on Wednesday following a meeting in Jerusalem with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, whose visit to Israel has underscored the rapid expansion of ties between the two sides. “For many years, we have cooperated under the radar in a series of activities that will remain secret,” Katz said.

He also claimed that Israel was developing capabilities in Somaliland and asserted that Israel had established a base there. According to Katz’s office, the meeting focused on strengthening security, economic and political cooperation between Israel and Somaliland, reflecting what officials described as a growing partnership between the two governments. Despite operating as a self-governing territory for more than three decades, Somaliland has yet to secure widespread international recognition, with many governments concerned that recognition could fuel separatist movements elsewhere in Africa and further complicate relations with Somalia.

Since then, Somaliland has maintained its own government institutions, currency, passport and security forces while seeking international recognition as a sovereign state. As Somaliland-Israel relations continue to expand through diplomatic, economic and security engagement, the partnership is likely to remain a closely watched development across the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and the wider Red Sea region, where shifting alliances are increasingly shaping regional geopolitics. Earlier this year, a Western diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said there was a widespread belief among observers that an Israeli military or security presence already existed in Somaliland.

Additional speculation emerged in May when retired Israeli Brigadier General Amir Avivi told the Israel Defense and Security Forum that Israeli naval operations had been conducted in the area. “People are not aware, but the Israeli navy has been operating in the area,” Avivi said. Questions about possible Israeli security involvement in Somaliland have circulated for years.

The visit also follows recent reciprocal diplomatic appointments between the two sides. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and the outbreak of civil war. Earlier this week, Somaliland officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem, establishing its first diplomatic mission in a foreign country and signaling a new chapter in Somaliland’s international engagement.

The deepening relationship has drawn regional and international attention because of Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. He added that both sides now intend to expand that relationship further. “Now we are determined to bring our security cooperation to new heights – for the benefit of both peoples and for the stability of the region,” he said.

The Israeli minister said cooperation between Israel and Somaliland had taken place away from public view for years. The meeting comes during President Irro’s first state visit to Israel, a trip that has produced several diplomatic milestones. “Israel and Somaliland have a long-standing friendship based on shared interests, democratic values, and a commitment to security and stability,” Katz said in a statement issued by his office.

Neither Israeli authorities nor Somaliland officials have publicly confirmed the existence of an Israeli military base in Somaliland. Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, while Somaliland named its own envoy to Israel as diplomatic contacts accelerated. Katz’s remarks nevertheless represent one of the most direct public acknowledgments by a senior Israeli official that cooperation between Israel and Somaliland predates the recent diplomatic breakthroughs and has been ongoing behind the scenes for years.

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