Somalia probes alleged airspace violations tied to Yemeni leader and Israel’s foreign minister

Somalia probes alleged illegal use of airspace for flights linked to Yemeni leader, Israeli foreign minister

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government says it has opened an investigation into reports that the country’s airspace was used unlawfully by a flight carrying South Yemen leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who is said to be traveling on behalf of the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement, the immigration agency said that if the allegations are confirmed, the incident would amount to a serious violation of Somali law and national sovereignty. Authorities said legal action would be pursued against any individuals or entities found to be involved in planning or facilitating the passage.

The government added that the unverified flight — which it characterized as illegal — was accompanied by another aircraft carrying Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, whom Somalia says arrived on a visit that had not received proper authorization.

Somali officials did not immediately provide further details on the scope of the investigation or clarify what steps, if any, had been taken regarding Sa’ar’s reported visit. The government’s statement did not specify the routes, permissions sought, or the timing of either flight, and it did not name the individuals or organizations potentially subject to legal action.

The allegations have sharpened sensitivities over Somalia’s sovereignty and control of its airspace, with officials framing any unauthorized transit as a breach of national jurisdiction. The government has emphasized that it will enforce its laws and aviation rules against foreign officials and intermediaries whose actions it says undermine the country’s authority.

Authorities also signaled they are prepared to take action if the claims extend to a political figure accused of fleeing his own country. Al-Zubaidi, described by Somali authorities as South Yemen’s leader, was said to be traveling on behalf of the UAE, according to the statement.

Somalia did not disclose whether it had issued diplomatic protests or requested clarifications from the foreign governments allegedly involved. Nor did it indicate whether domestic aviation or security agencies had tracked or intercepted the flights in question.

The government’s announcement underscores the high stakes around the integrity of national airspace and protocol for official visits, particularly in a region where air corridors, permissions and bilateral ties carry both political and security implications. The investigation is ongoing, and officials said further information would be released as appropriate.

Somalia’s immigration agency did not provide a timeline for its findings.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.