Somaliland military base under construction by UAE

The United Arab Emirates is reportedly constructing a military base at Berbera Airport in Somaliland. According to reports from Le Monde, the infrastructure project began in October, shortly before Israel became the first nation to officially recognize Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of independence.

The base is expected to serve as a strategic outpost for the UAE, the United States, and potentially Israel. For the UAE, the location provides a critical foothold in the Gulf of Aden following the loss of influence in Yemen. For the United States, the site offers an opportunity to diversify its regional military presence and reduce reliance on Djibouti, which has grown closer to China.

Strategically, the base may allow allies to station combat aircraft to deter potential incursions by Somalia, which may be supported by Egypt or Turkey. It could also serve as a monitoring post for Houthi activity and Turkish military operations in the region.