Around 50 Israeli soldiers deployed to Somaliland following security agreements - report
According to separate reports cited by CNN, Somaliland has also granted Israel access to an additional military facility that could serve as a logistical stop for aircraft operating on long routes
Israel deployed a small military contingent to Somaliland earlier this year as part of growing security cooperation between the two sides, according to a senior Somali government official cited by Middle East Eye.
The official claimed that around 50 Israeli soldiers are stationed in Somaliland, the self-declared independent region in the Horn of Africa, following security agreements reached after Israel's recognition of Somaliland's independence.
Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland in December, a move that drew criticism from several countries in the region. In April, Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Hargeisa.
According to the report, the deployment took place shortly after Israeli military assessments in the region and amid heightened tensions with Iran. The official alleged that Israel selected soldiers of African origin, including Ethiopian Israelis, for the mission to maintain a lower profile.
The IDF declined to comment on the report, telling Middle East Eye that the issue was a political matter. Somaliland authorities did not respond to requests for comment.
The report follows recent remarks by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who said Israel and Somaliland have maintained covert cooperation for several years. During a meeting with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Katz said the two sides had carried out a number of confidential joint activities.
According to separate reports cited by CNN, Somaliland has also granted Israel access to an additional military facility that could serve as a logistical stop for aircraft operating on long-range routes.
Analysts say the growing relationship could help Israel expand its strategic footprint along the Red Sea, particularly as it faces ongoing threats from Yemen's Houthi movement.
Somaliland's Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali has denied reports of an Israeli military base on the territory but acknowledged that Israel has provided assistance, including training for Somaliland's police and security forces.