UAE Builds Israeli Military Base in Somalia… Why?

Russian and Emirati press reports have revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is planning to establish an Israeli military base in the unrecognized region of “Somaliland,” located on the coast of the Gulf of Aden.

According to the Russian newspaper “Nezavisimaya,” this base will enable Israel to carry out military operations against the government in Sana’a, specifically targeting “Ansar Allah” in Yemen, which supports the Palestinian resistance operations in Gaza.

On its part, “Emirates Leaks” indicated that the UAE is negotiating with the authorities of “Somaliland” to allow the entry of Israelis into these military bases.

The UAE assured the leadership of “Somaliland” that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is ready to officially recognize the state of “Somaliland,” paving the way for establishing bilateral relations with the Zionist entity, as reported by “Arabi 21.”

“Emirates Leaks” also highlighted that the initiative to activate bases in Somaliland simultaneously is part of a broader strategy to enhance influence in the region. Moreover, the Israeli occupation army needs new means to exert pressure on the Houthis.

The UAE began establishing its foothold in this location in 2017, but two years later, the Somaliland administration announced the suspension of the contract.

However, in May of this year, the private intelligence firm “Gray Dynamics” reported that the UAE had resumed efforts to expand the deep-sea port and improve the military airport.

“Gray Dynamics” acknowledged that the UAE could deploy its aircraft in Berbera as early as this year.

The newspaper also noted that Yigal Palmor, who served as the spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in 2010 that Israel is interested in re-establishing relations with Somaliland. Palmor reminded “Haaretz” that “Israel” was the first country to recognize Somaliland.