I threatened Somalia By taking measures that could affect shipping traffic in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in response to reports about Israel's recognition of what is known as "Somaliland".

Israel's recognition of Somaliland is an attack on Somali national security.

The Somali government has asserted that any recognition of this region constitutes a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and an attack on its national security.

She stressed that she would work to protect her national interests and borders, and would not accept any steps that would threaten the state’s existence, noting that any possible measures would fall within the framework of defending sovereignty.

Closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait is permissible.

Although Somalia does not directly control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, it may seek to influence shipping routes linked to the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, which could affect the movement of ships passing to and from the Red Sea through this vital passage.

Bab al-Mandab

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the most important maritime passages in the world, linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, and is among the busiest trade routes. Imposing any restrictions on it requires significant capabilities and resources.

Diplomatic sources indicate that these statements reflect a growing hardening of Somalia’s position on protecting its sovereignty, in light of moves by Israel and other countries to potentially recognize the territory or deal with it outside the framework of Somali sovereignty.