Houthi rebels in Yemen have declared any Israeli presence in the breakaway region of Somaliland a legitimate military target. The terrorist group has vowed to strike any Israeli targets in the region.

Israel Vows Retaliation As Houthis Claim They Have No Red Lines In This Battle

This warning comes days after Israel became the first country to recognize the independence of the Somali territory.

According to a report by RT, in a statement on Sunday, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi stated that Israel’s move constitutes “aggression against Somalia and Yemen, and a threat to the security of the region,” stressing that the militant group will “consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland a military target for our armed forces.”

Houthi rebels have consistently claimed that Israel is looking to conduct “hostile activities.” The terrorist group ceased attacks on Israel since a Gaza truce in October; however, new threats are surfacing as Israel declares Somaliland its own sovereign state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a declaration on Friday recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state, making West Jerusalem the first government to do so officially. The rulers of Somalia have denounced the move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty. Israel’s actions have also triggered a wave of international condemnation as a broad coalition of nations and organizations have rejected the move.

The African Union warned that this geopolitical move “risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” affirming that Somaliland remains part of Somalia.

Israel Bombs Yemen After Houthis Attack Commercial Ships

Houthi rebels were known for attacking ships in the Red Sea at the height of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Israeli government appears to seek better access to the Red Sea and Somaliland’s port of Berbera. This would help the rulers by enhancing their ability to monitor or strike Houthi positions in Yemen.