Yemen’s Houthis warn that any Israeli presence in Somaliland will become a “military target”

Houthiswho control much of Yemen, Issues stern warning to Tel Aviv after formally recognizing it SomalilandIt said that any Israeli presence in the breakaway areas of Somalia would be considered a “military target.”

In a statement published by local media, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthis armed forces, said Israel’s move crossed the group’s red line.

The separation zone is located at Red Sea From Yemen.

“We consider any Israeli presence in the area Somaliland military objectives of our armed forces because it constitutes a somalia and Yemenand threats to regional security. “Houthis explain.

Israel Official recognition announced on Friday Somalilandmarking the first time a country has formally recognized the republic since it declared independence somalia Early 1990s.

Somaliland For more than three decades it has operated as a de facto state, maintaining its own currency, army and political institutions but remaining diplomatically isolated.

this Houthis leaders warned IsraelThe decision has wider regional consequences, calling it “targeting somalia and its surrounding areas in Africa and Yementhis Red Seaand cross-strait countries Red Sea“.

analysts say Israelrecognition Somaliland Can provide it with strategic access to the Gulf of Aden Red Sea waterway, complicating the already unstable security situation.

They believe that such access can also enhance IsraelAbility to strike Houthi armed positions Yemen If hostilities resume.

After Benjamin Netanyahu’s government launched war on Gaza in October 2023, the Houthis began targeting Israeli-linked shipping and firing missiles at Israel, saying their actions were a show of solidarity with the Palestinians.

Israel responded with multiple airstrikes Yemen. The attacks largely stopped after Gaza reached a fragile truce last October.

somalia, The country continues to suffer armed violence from Islamist groups and sustained airstrikes by the U.S. military, which it denounces as a violation of its sovereignty.

Israel’s decision also drew criticism from a range of regional and international actors, including the African Union, Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The EU reiterates that Somalia’s territorial integrity must be respected.