Israel deployed troops to Somaliland after recognition, source says

Israel deployed a contingent of approximately 50 soldiers to Somaliland earlier this year, according to a senior Somali government official. This deployment followed Israel's recognition of the breakaway state in December and the subsequent appointment of Michael Lotem as Israel's first ambassador to Hargeisa in April. The official stated that the soldiers selected were of African heritage, particularly Ethiopian, to blend in with the local community and avoid drawing attention.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel and Somaliland have a history of covert security cooperation, which he intends to elevate. However, the Israeli military declined to comment on the specific deployment, referring the matter to the political echelon. Attempts to reach the Somaliland government for comment were unsuccessful.

Reports suggest that Somaliland may have provided Israel with an additional military site for long-range flights to Iran, and some experts believe Israel is seeking a naval base on the Red Sea to counter Houthi threats. Somaliland's Defense Minister, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, stated that Israel does not have a base in the country but acknowledged that Israel is providing support through training for its police and military forces.