Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a fierce warning against alleged Israeli interference in the Horn of Africa, declaring Somalia will never allow an Israeli military base to be established in the breakaway Somaliland region. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Mohamud vowed to confront any Israeli forces entering Somaliland, calling Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence a reckless and illegal move that threatens Somalia’s sovereignty. Reports suggest Israel may view Somaliland as a strategic counterweight against Houthi forces across the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — one of the world’s most vital trade chokepoints.