Berbera (Somalia Today) — Israel is seeking a naval and military presence at the port of Berbera in Somalia’s Somaliland region, a German defence outlet reported, in a move that could give the Israeli navy access to a strategic Gulf of Aden hub facing Yemen.
Defence Network reported on June 19 that the new relationship between Israel and Somaliland could allow Israel to use Berbera for operations involving its German-built Dolphin-class submarines.
The outlet, citing foreign sources, said Israel was actively seeking to build a naval and military presence at the port, but added that there was no official confirmation that Dolphin-class submarines would be permanently stationed there or regularly operate from the facility.
The report came days after Somaliland officials confirmed that Israel was training some of the region’s police and military forces, while denying that talks were under way for an Israeli military base.
“There is no Israeli military presence or military bases in Somaliland,” Somaliland Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali told Reuters during a visit to Israel by a delegation led by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
“But Israel is helping Somaliland … they are supporting us to train some of our police and military,” he said.
Israeli officials have not publicly confirmed the Berbera report. Defence Network said Israeli sources declined to comment on foreign media reports, but pointed to Berbera’s position directly opposite Yemen.
The port lies on the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors linking the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has launched missiles and drones at Israel and attacked ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the start of the Gaza war.
Israel-Somaliland ties
Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state in December, becoming the first country to do so.
Somalia rejected the move and said Somaliland remains part of Somalia. Mogadishu described Israel’s recognition as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
The African Union also condemned Israel’s decision and called for it to be reversed, saying it supported Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate in northwestern Somalia, declared independence in 1991 as Somalia collapsed into civil war. It has its own government, security forces and currency, but has not received broad international recognition.
During the Somaliland delegation’s visit to Israel last week, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel and Somaliland had cooperated secretly for years.
“For many years, we cooperated under the radar in a series of operations that will remain classified,” Katz said, according to remarks published by his office.
“Now we are going to bring our security cooperation to new heights, for the benefit of both peoples and for the benefit of stability in the region,” he added.
Abdullahi called for Israeli investment in Somaliland, including in agriculture, livestock, water management, renewable energy, healthcare and cybersecurity.
“Somaliland is open for business, and Somaliland is ready for Israeli investment,” he said at an event in Tel Aviv.
Berbera has become one of Somaliland’s most important economic assets. Dubai-owned DP World has invested in expanding the port, which Hargeisa presents as a trade gateway for Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Dolphin submarines
Germany built Israel’s Dolphin-class submarines, which are among the country’s most sensitive military assets.
Defence Network said the submarines play an important role in Israel’s multi-front conflict, particularly as a deterrent against Iran and its regional allies.
The submarines are diesel-electric vessels. Later versions use air-independent propulsion systems, allowing them to remain submerged for longer periods without surfacing.
Israel does not publicly discuss the full capabilities of the Dolphin fleet. Foreign military analysts have said the submarines may be able to launch long-range cruise missiles, giving Israel a sea-based strike capability.
Defence Network said the submarines could support intelligence gathering, covert monitoring of hostile coastlines and precision strikes with long-range missiles or torpedoes.
The outlet also cited the Popeye Turbo cruise missile, which it said submarines can launch and has an estimated range of at least 1,500 kilometres.
Israel has not confirmed details of the weapons its submarines carry.
Reports in previous years indicate that Israel deployed at least one Dolphin-class submarine toward the Gulf during periods of tension with Iran. Israel rarely comments on submarine movements.
The latest report adds a military dimension to the fast-growing relationship between Israel and Somaliland, but officials in Hargeisa continue to deny that any Israeli base agreement exists.
Somalia says the federal government in Mogadishu must approve any foreign military, diplomatic, or commercial deal involving Somaliland region.
