HARGEISA – Somaliland’s Defense Minister, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, has dismissed reports alleging that Israel is establishing a military base or intelligence center in Somaliland, describing such claims as unfounded.

Speaking to Reuters while attending a business conference in Tel Aviv, the minister stated that there is currently no Israeli military presence in Somaliland and that no discussions are underway regarding the establishment of an Israeli military base on Somaliland territory.

Mohamed Yusuf Ali acknowledged existing security cooperation between Somaliland and Israel, noting that Israel provides training for Somaliland’s military and police forces. However, he rejected claims that the relationship includes plans for permanent Israeli military facilities.

“There is no Israeli military presence in Somaliland, and reports about a military base are rumors and unfounded information,” the minister said.

The statement comes amid increased international attention on the relationship between Somaliland and Israel following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. The move was strongly opposed by the Federal Government of Somalia, which continues to regard Somaliland as part of Somali territory.

Earlier this year, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi also stated that Somaliland was interested in future security and military cooperation with Israel but confirmed that no discussions had taken place regarding the establishment of Israeli military bases.

Recent international media reports alleged that Israel had established intelligence facilities in Somaliland and was exploring military basing arrangements. The Somaliland government has now publicly denied those claims through both the president and the defense minister.

The Defense Minister’s comments appear aimed at drawing a clear distinction between security cooperation and the establishment of foreign military infrastructure.

As Somaliland’s relationship with Israel expands, speculation regarding military and intelligence cooperation has increased, largely because of Somaliland’s strategic location near the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. These waterways have become increasingly important amid regional tensions involving the Houthis, Iran, and international shipping security.

By publicly denying reports of military bases and intelligence centers, Somaliland is likely seeking to reassure regional partners and reduce concerns that its territory could become a focal point in broader Middle Eastern security rivalries.

At the same time, the minister’s confirmation that Israel assists with military and police training indicates that security cooperation between the two sides continues to deepen, even if it falls short of establishing a permanent military presence.

The issue remains politically sensitive because allegations of foreign military bases often generate strong reactions in the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East. For Somaliland, maintaining that cooperation is limited to training and security assistance may help preserve diplomatic flexibility while continuing to strengthen relations with Israel.

Overall, the government’s position is that while Somaliland welcomes security cooperation with Israel, reports of Israeli military bases or intelligence facilities on Somaliland territory are inaccurate and unsupported by current policy.