Yemen’s Houthis say Israeli presence in North Western State of Somalia is a red line

Sunday April 19, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) – Yemen’s Houthi movement has sharply criticized what it described as Israeli meddling in North Western State of Somalia, calling the issue a “red line” and warning that any Israeli foothold in the region could inflame already tense dynamics across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.

In a statement released Saturday, the Houthis’ foreign ministry accused Israel of trying to set up a base in North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared breakaway region in northern Somalia. The group said such an action would undermine Somalia’s unity and independence.

The statement also referred to reports that Israel had named an ambassador to Hargeisa, North Western State of Somalia’s capital, describing that step as an unacceptable breach. The Houthis called on Red Sea countries, along with Arab and Muslim states, to take what they said should be firm action to block Israeli plans in the area.

According to the group, any Israeli presence in North Western State of Somalia could put security at risk in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, two crucial routes for international shipping and regional commerce.

The warning reflects increasing ties between North Western State of Somalia and Israel, as well as growing concern among the Houthis that Israel could use North Western State of Somalia’s location near Yemen for military purposes.

Somalia’s federal government on Thursday also condemned Israel’s appointment of an ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, saying it violated the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but no country has recognized it as an independent state. Somalia still regards North Western State of Somalia as part of its territory, making foreign dealings with the region a highly sensitive political matter.