Forums and discussion platforms that support the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump have reported that the Republic of Somaliland has invited the government of Israel to play a role in securing the Red Sea maritime corridor.

According to a report translated by the Somaliland News Agency (SOLNA), Somaliland has officially called on Israel to establish a strategic presence in the city of Berbera, which has a port and an airport and is located very close to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait.

This important waterway connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and is one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes. The report notes that approximately 15% of global trade, 30% of container shipping, and nearly 10% of seaborne oil pass through this corridor.

Somaliland also highlighted that Berbera has significant infrastructure that could enable it to become a strategic hub. The city hosts Berbera International Airport, which has one of the longest runways in Africa, as well as a modern port developed through investment from the United Arab Emirates.

The report states that Somaliland’s invitation to Israel came after Israel reportedly recognized the Republic of Somaliland late last year, opening the door for potential security and strategic cooperation between the two sides.

Somaliland officials are said to believe that cooperation with Israel and Western countries could help protect the strategic Bab el-Mandeb waterway, particularly from threats posed by terrorism and armed groups in the region.

The report further adds that international supporters of the initiative believe Berbera’s infrastructure and Somaliland’s relative stability could make it an important location for protecting commercial shipping and maintaining the security of global maritime routes.

In conclusion, the report noted that if such cooperation is implemented, Berbera could become a key center for maritime security operations and the protection of international trade routes passing through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait.