Somaliland willing to send up to 2,000 troops to Gaza force, president says

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi announced that Somaliland is prepared to contribute up to 2,000 troops to the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, pending a request from the US or Israel. This offer follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland's independence in December, making it the first country to do so. The president stated that Israel's recognition has significantly increased Somaliland's international profile, despite heightened tensions with Somalia and Turkey.

"If they ask, we can provide."

Abdullahi also mentioned that Somaliland is seeking advanced weaponry and technology from allies like Israel and the US to bolster its defense capabilities, especially given public statements from Somalia's president and defense minister about invading the territory. He denied discussions about Israel using Somaliland for operations against Houthis or accepting Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing that cooperation with Israel focuses on security, trade, investment, and economic development, particularly water technology.