'Israel' reveals covert military operations with Somaliland

• 'Israel' says it conducted years of secret security cooperation with Somaliland
• Announcement comes as Somaliland opens embassy in Tel Aviv
• 'Israel' became first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence
• Reports indicate 'Israeli' naval activity from a base on Somaliland’s Gulf of Aden coast

'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed on Wednesday that 'Israel' has conducted a series of classified, long-running military operations and security activities with Somaliland over a span of several years.

The high-profile disclosure came during a formal diplomatic reception hosting Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the president of the self-declared independent republic.

The breakthrough bilateral meeting marks a major geopolitical shift in the Horn of Africa.

'Israel' solidified its ties with the breakaway region in December.

Becoming the first nation in the world to officially recognize Somaliland's independence since it fractured from Somalia in 1991 following a brutal civil war.

Long-standing relation

A formal press release issued by the Defense Ministry detailed the extensive parameters of the historical partnership, emphasizing mutual democratic values and a shared regional security architecture.

"Israel and Somaliland share a long-standing friendship based on common interests, democratic values, and a commitment to security and stability," Katz stated during the bilateral summit. "For many years, we have cooperated far out of the spotlight on a series of activities that will remain classified."

Katz added that both administrations are fully determined to elevate their security apparatus to new heights to safeguard bilateral maritime interests and protect the volatile shipping lanes across the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

According to the defense bulletin, the working sessions between Katz and Abdullahi focused directly on bolstering trilateral economic, political, and defense ties.

Aden Gulf Base

Somaliland occupies a highly coveted strategic location along the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden.

Despite operating its own independent military force, printing its own currency, and issuing its own sovereign passports, the enclave has historically struggled to achieve formal international recognition due to fears that it could spark secondary secessionist movements across the African continent.

President Abdullahi arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday to commence his first-ever official state visit, a landmark trip highlighted by the formal opening of the Somaliland Embassy in Tel Aviv.

The diplomatic milestone follows the formal exchange of ambassadors between the two governments earlier this spring.

While both parties have kept specific joint operations heavily classified, regional intelligence networks have long suspected an 'Israeli' defensive footprint in the territory.

Western diplomats previously noted a widespread consensus regarding an active 'Israeli' military presence along the coast.

Confirming those long-standing assessments, retired 'Israel' Defense Forces Brigadier General Amir Avivi stated during an 'Israeli' Defense and Security Forum in May that the 'Israeli' Navy has secured an operational foothold in the region.

"The 'Israeli' Navy is actively operating in the area," Avivi noted. " 'Israel' is building capabilities in Somaliland. We have a base there now."