Somaliland Navy Commits to Securing Bab el‑Mandeb Strait

Admiral Ahmed Hari Hariye, commander of Somaliland’s Navy and Coast Guard, announced that the self‑governing region is prepared to cooperate with neighboring states and international partners to protect the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. He stressed that Somaliland will focus on coastal defence, anti‑piracy patrols, maritime traffic monitoring and intelligence sharing while respecting international law, noting, “Our priority is to preserve maritime security and guarantee freedom of navigation in accordance with international maritime laws and conventions.”

The declaration comes amid heightened security concerns in the Red Sea following repeated attacks on commercial vessels. Somaliland views its strategic location at the Port of Berbera as an asset that can help safeguard global trade routes, and the statement signals a broader ambition to raise its profile as a reliable regional security partner.