The leader of Yemen’s Houthi group, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, said Friday that his group is “serious” about targeting any Israeli military presence in Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region, Anadolu reported.

Al-Houthi made the threat during a televised address marking the anniversary of the killing of the group’s founder, Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi, broadcast by state television. of the group, “Al-Masirah”.

His statements come after Israel announced on December 26 that it had officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the only country to do so. This action was strongly criticized in the region, being described as illegal and a threat to international peace and security.

Al-Houthi said that his group “reaffirms Yemen’s position in support of the Somali Muslim people”, describing the developments in Somaliland as “a threat to Yemen and the peoples of the region”, as well as a danger to the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

“There must be positions practice”, he said. “We continue to monitor the situation and are serious about targeting any Israeli presence in Somaliland, military base or any fixed position within our reach, and we will not hesitate to strike militarily,” he added.

He accused Israel of trying to advance its objectives in Somalia by exploiting the region’s strategic position facing the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. saying it threatens regional security and aims to control key sea lanes.

Al-Houthi also referred to a recent visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland, saying it was carried out “secretly” and without prior notice.

Saar visited Somaliland on January 6, in what was described as the first such visit since Israel announced its recognition of the region. separatist.

There was no immediate reaction from the Israeli side to the Houthi group’s statements.

Somaliland has operated as a de facto self-governing entity since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not received international recognition as a sovereign state.

Source: prizrenpost