HARGEISA – Somaliland has entered a state of heightened security following the fallout from Israel’s diplomatic recognition of the self-declared republic last month. The move has triggered a sharp escalation in tensions, with Somaliland authorities on Sunday forcefully condemning a call by Somalia’s Defense Minister for Saudi Arabia to intervene militarily against the breakaway region.
Hargeisa Rejects “Yemen-Style” Intervention
In a strongly worded statement, Hargeisa officials slammed Mogadishu’s appeal to Riyadh, comparing the proposed military action to the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen against separatist forces. Somaliland authorities characterized the Defense Minister’s request as a desperate attempt to internationalize a domestic political failure, warning that inviting foreign military intervention would only destabilize the Horn of Africa further.
This diplomatic spat comes amidst a deepening rift between the two governments, exacerbated by recent disputes over airspace control and Mogadishu’s alleged support for rival administrations in the Sool region.
Capital Under High Security
On the ground in Hargeisa, the atmosphere has shifted dramatically. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has acknowledged that the historic diplomatic breakthrough with Israel has attracted “formidable adversaries” to the region, including Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
To counter these threats, the government has implemented rigorous security measures:
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Fortified Leadership: The presidential complex has been heavily fortified, with additional troops deployed to protect President Irro and his family.
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Restricted Access: Entry to all government buildings is now strictly limited to individuals displaying valid national identity cards.
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Movement Controls: Police have set up checkpoints across major urban centers. All vehicles—including ambulances and water tankers—are subject to thorough inspections.
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ID Mandate: A region-wide directive now requires citizens to carry identification at all times. Hotels, landlords, and vehicle rental agencies are prohibited from serving anyone without proper documentation.
Terror Threats Loom
The security crackdown is a direct response to specific threats. Al-Shabaab, which previously targeted Hargeisa in a wave of deadly suicide bombings in 2008, has issued new warnings of military action should Israel establish a physical presence in the territory.
President Irro urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces, emphasizing that community intelligence is the first line of defense. “We have entered a new era that brings both great opportunity and significant risk,” officials noted, calling on the people of Somaliland to unite against external destabilization efforts.
