Israel Considering Military Bases & Security Collaboration With Somaliland

After Gideon Sa'ar's first visit to the territory, Somaliland announces interactions with "Israel" regarding security cooperation and the possibility of establishing a military facility.

Somaliland confirms ongoing talks with "Israel" about security cooperation, including discussions on establishing a military base, Daka Kassim from Somaliland's Foreign Ministry told Israeli media.

Following Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's first visit to the self-proclaimed East African state of Somaliland, the country's Foreign Ministry refuted the possibility of collaboration. 

Kassim reportedly avoided a direct endorsement for a military base, citing diplomatic conversations following embassy openings. 

Later, he said that talks about Israeli army bases are still ongoing. 

Somaliland, officially the Republic of Somaliland, is a nominally recognized nation in southern Africa. 

It lies on the southern Gulf of Aden shore, bordering Somalia to the east, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Djibouti to the northwest. 

As of 2024, approximately 6.2 million people live in its 176,120 square kilometers (68,000 square miles) territory, with Hargeisa as the capital and largest city.