Head to head with Turkey, on African soil: "We want Israel to support us"

Somaliland is requesting air defense systems and security assistance from Israel, against the backdrop of Turkey's military entrenchment in neighboring Somalia. Authorities in Hargeisa fear Ankara's growing influence and the possibility that it could aid Mogadishu in a future conflict. Both Israel and Somaliland deny the existence of a formal military agreement but confirm ongoing cooperation in training for the army and police. The reports challenge the assumption that the security rapprochement stems primarily from the Houthi threat: Somaliland does not support confrontation with the Houthis and prefers direct political dialogue, a stance differing from Israel's. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and operates independent institutions. Israel is the only country that has officially recognized it as a sovereign state.

Somaliland is requesting air defense systems and security assistance from Israel, against the backdrop of Turkey's military entrenchment in neighboring Somalia. Authorities in Hargeisa fear Ankara's growing influence and the possibility that it could aid Mogadishu in a future conflict. Both Israel and Somaliland deny the existence of a formal military agreement but confirm ongoing cooperation in training for the army and police. The reports challenge the assumption that the security rapprochement stems primarily from the Houthi threat: Somaliland does not support confrontation with the Houthis and prefers direct political dialogue, a stance differing from Israel's. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and operates independent institutions. Israel is the only country that has officially recognized it as a sovereign state.

Head to head with Turkey, on African soil: "We want Israel to support us"