Somali Official: Israel’s Somaliland Move aims to control Bab al-Mandab

Somali official Abdulqadir Ahmed (Ali Fardiye) said “Israel’s” recognition of “Somaliland” is driven by strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, rather than granting the region international legitimacy.

He said the move aims to expand Israeli influence near the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key global maritime route, and to monitor developments and threats from Yemen.

Somalia rejected Israel’s recognition of “Somaliland,” calling it an illegal violation of its sovereignty and territorial unity.