The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly aiding Israel’s military efforts in the Red Sea region by financing the establishment of a military base in Somaliland, a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa. According to a report in Haaretz, the base is strategically designed to counter the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been responsible for launching advanced missiles and drone strikes targeting Israel and its allies.
This development underscores the UAE’s growing collaboration with Israel following the Abraham Accords of 2020. The UAE has played a mediatory role between Israel and Somaliland, facilitating the base’s construction and partially funding it. This aligns with the UAE’s strategic interests in the region, where it has maintained a significant military and commercial presence since 2017 through the Berbera Port. The UAE has invested $440 million into developing the port and airport, making them critical hubs for its operations in Yemen.
Located near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint handling 12% of global trade annually, Somaliland offers a strategic advantage for regional and global powers. The unrecognised state declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since established unofficial relations with nations like Israel, Taiwan, and the UAE.
For Israel, Somaliland’s proximity to Yemen presents an opportunity to strengthen its defences against Houthi attacks. Recent drone strikes from Yemen have revealed vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defences. Somaliland’s lack of international oversight further enables Israel to expand its military footprint with minimal scrutiny.
[Read more on Radiancenews.com]