Houthi Warning: Any Israeli Presence in Somaliland is a "Legitimate Military Target"

The Houthi movement in Yemen issued a stern warning late Sunday, declaring that any Israeli presence in the breakaway region of "Somaliland" will be treated as a "legitimate military target." Following Israel’s historic decision to become the first nation to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi slammed the move as an "aggressive conspiracy" aimed at destabilizing Somalia, Yemen, and the broader Red Sea region. The group vowed to take "all possible measures" to support Mogadishu against what they termed an Israeli foothold on Somali soil.

This escalation coincides with a fierce diplomatic rebuttal from Mogadishu. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed Parliament on Sunday, reaffirming that his government will not tolerate any violation of its territorial integrity. Mohamud described Israel’s recognition as a "blatant aggression" and warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "no one can divide our people." While the Houthis threaten military action, the Somali government has pledged to utilize all diplomatic channels to defend its sovereignty against the Israeli move.