By Hassan Adan

Somalia has threatened to restrict access to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait in response to Israel’s decision to deepen diplomatic engagement with Somaliland, escalating tensions over the breakaway region’s status.

The warning was issued by Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, who said countries seen as undermining Somalia’s sovereignty could face repercussions.

“Any country interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs and compromising its territorial integrity and sovereignty will face repercussions, including potential restrictions on access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,” Warfaa said.

The remarks follow Israel’s appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland, a move strongly opposed by Mogadishu, which views the northern region as an integral part of Somalia.

Any Country interfering in Somalia's internal affairs and compromising its territorial integrity and sovereignty will face repercussions, including potential restrictions on access to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. pic.twitter.com/qJKuHR6HDF

— Amb.Abdullahi Warfa (@warfak1) April 17, 2026

Somalia’s foreign ministry has also condemned the decision as a breach of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, reiterating that Somaliland remains part of the federal republic under international law.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government, but it has not secured broad international recognition.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located between Djibouti and Yemen, is a critical global shipping route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and carrying a significant share of international trade and energy supplies.

Analysts say any attempt to block or restrict access to the waterway would face significant legal and logistical hurdles, as international maritime routes are governed by global conventions and rely on cooperation among coastal states and major powers.

Somalia has an extensive coastline along the Gulf of Aden, while Somaliland controls much of the northern coastal stretch adjacent to the strategic corridor.

In a separate statement Yemen’s Houthi movement, known as Ansar Allah, has warned against what it described as Israeli interference in Somaliland, calling it a “red line” and a threat to regional stability.

The group accused Israel of attempting to establish a foothold in Somaliland, a move it said would undermine the sovereignty and unity of Somalia.

The Houthis also cited reports that Israel had appointed an ambassador to Hargeisa, describing the move as unacceptable and a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity.

The group urged countries along the Red Sea, as well as Arab and Muslim nations, to take what it called decisive action to counter what it described as Israeli plans in the region.

It added that any Israeli presence in Somalia could have serious implications for the security of key maritime routes, including the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, both vital corridors for global trade.

The warning comes amid growing ties between Somaliland and Israel, which the Houthis say raise concerns that the territory could be used as a base for military operations against Yemen, given its proximity across the Gulf of Aden.