Sana'a: Yemen's Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi declared his group's intention to target any Israeli military presence in Somaliland. Al-Houthi made this announcement during a televised address aired by the group's Al Masirah TV, marking the anniversary of the death of the group's founder, Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi.

According to Anadolu Agency, the threat follows Israel's December 26 announcement of its formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, making Israel the only country to do so. This recognition has been met with significant criticism within the region, with opponents describing it as illegal and a potential threat to international peace and security.

Al-Houthi emphasized Yemen's support for the Somali people, labeling the developments in Somaliland as a threat to Yemen and regional stability, particularly concerning the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. He asserted the necessity of taking concrete actions and confirmed the group's resolve to target any Israeli military infrastructure in Somaliland.

He accused Israel of attempting to exploit Somaliland's strategic location near key maritime routes such as the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab al-Mandab, which could jeopardize regional security. Al-Houthi also mentioned a recent unannounced visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland, marking a significant diplomatic engagement since Israel's recognition of the region.

There has yet to be a response from Israeli officials regarding al-Houthi's statements. Somaliland has functioned as a self-governing entity since its 1991 declaration of independence from Somalia but lacks international recognition as a sovereign nation.