Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi has issued his first explicit warning that Houthi forces would target any Israeli presence established in Somaliland, following Israel’s announcement that it has recognized the self-declared region as an independent state.

Speaking in a televised address broadcast by Al-Masirah, Al-Houthi said that any Israeli base, facility, or form of military or security presence in Somaliland would be considered a legitimate military target. He described Israel’s decision as an act of aggression against both Somalia and Yemen, warning that it could undermine stability across the wider region.

He stated that the Houthis view any Israeli presence in Somaliland as a direct threat to regional security and an infringement on Somali and Yemeni interests, adding that the movement is prepared to take all measures it deems necessary to support the Somali people.

Al-Houthi characterized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a hostile move aimed at advancing strategic and military objectives in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. He accused Israel of seeking to transform Somaliland into a forward operating platform for activities targeting Somalia, African states, Yemen, and the broader Arab world.

He also called on Arab and Islamic countries to adopt a unified and firm position in support of Federal Government of Somalia and to uphold Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Israel recently became the first country to publicly announce recognition of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not obtained international recognition. The Somali government has categorically rejected the move, reiterating that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia under international law.

Al-Houthi’s remarks mark the first direct threat by the Houthi leadership against Somaliland since Israel’s recognition announcement.

Meanwhile, Israeli media outlets have reported that closer ties between Israel and Somaliland could potentially facilitate expanded Israeli air operations inside Yemen, including strikes broader in scope than previous operations conducted against areas under Houthi control.

The developments have further heightened political and security tensions in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, as regional and international reactions continue to unfold following Israel’s decision.