Somaliland Ready to Send 2,000 Troops to Gaza Stabilization Force

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi stated that his country is ready to send up to 2,000 troops to the planned international stabilization force for the Gaza Strip. In an interview with the Jerusalem Post on the sidelines of the MEAD conference, the president clarified that Somaliland is awaiting an official request from Israel or the United States.

Troops and Missions

"If they ask, we can provide soldiers," Abdullahi said. He noted that while Somaliland is not initiating the deployment on its own, it is fully prepared to act upon request. The international stabilization force is ultimately expected to comprise approximately 20,000 troops.

Assigned missions for the force include maintaining security in the enclave, training Palestinian police officers, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and preventing Hamas from reestablishing its military control in Gaza. Several nations have already expressed willingness to participate in the U.S.-led coalition, including Uganda, Morocco, Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo.

Diplomatic Ties

Somaliland's military numbers around 25,000 troops, alongside a coast guard of 1,500 personnel. Abdullahi's statement comes amid deepening relations between Somaliland and Israel. In December, Israel became the first nation to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state, following its secession from Somalia in 1991.

"Somaliland is receiving much more attention following Israel's recognition," Abdullahi said. "For 35 years we asked the whole world to see us, and now they are paying attention."

In June, Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem during Abdullahi's first official visit to Israel. The president is scheduled to meet next week with U.S. lawmakers, including Republican Senator Ted Cruz, a prominent advocate for American recognition of the East African state.