Al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based militant group linked to Al-Qaeda, issued a stark warning on Saturday against Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. The group declared it would resist any attempts by Israel to 'claim or use parts' of the breakaway territory, framing the development as an expansionist threat to Somali territories.
In a statement released on December 27, 2025, Al-Shabaab accused Israel of supporting what it called 'the apostate administration' in Somaliland's northwest regions. This escalation comes amid ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland has sought international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.
Analysts suggest the militant group's rhetoric aims to bolster its anti-Western narrative while capitalizing on regional sensitivities about foreign interference. The declaration raises security concerns for businesses and investors eyeing infrastructure projects in Somaliland, which has positioned itself as a stable partner in the region despite its unresolved political status.
This development underscores the complex interplay between global geopolitics and local conflicts in Asia's neighboring regions. Observers note that while no concrete Israeli activities in Somaliland have been confirmed, the threat highlights Al-Shabaab's continued capacity to influence security narratives across East Africa.
