The recent reports and statements circulated by certain international media outlets, including allegations attributed to CNN, claiming that Israeli military aircraft used Berbera International Airport during the recent conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, require serious clarification. These claims are misleading, unverified, and do not reflect the reality on the ground in the Republic of Somaliland.
As a concerned citizen of Somaliland and a political commentator who has personally observed the situation during the period in question, I believe it is important to provide factual information and defend the reputation, neutrality, and sovereignty of Somaliland against politically motivated misinformation and speculative reporting.
First and foremost, the Republic of Somaliland was not part of the conflict in the Persian Gulf between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Somaliland has not participated in any military alliance, operational support, or logistical assistance related to that conflict. Any attempt to connect Somaliland to military operations against Iran is entirely false and lacks credible evidence.
The people and government of Somaliland have consistently maintained a policy focused on peace, regional stability, and constructive international engagement. Somaliland has spent more than three decades building democratic institutions, maintaining internal peace, combating extremism, and promoting security in the Horn of Africa. Unlike many countries in the region that continue to suffer from instability and conflict, Somaliland has become known internationally as one of the most peaceful and stable territories in Africa.
Therefore, it is deeply irresponsible for international media organizations or politically motivated actors to spread unverified accusations that could damage Somaliland’s international image and create unnecessary diplomatic tensions.
It is also important to clarify the status of Berbera International Airport itself. The airport is fully under the authority and administration of Somaliland Civil Aviation and the Government of the Republic of Somaliland. It is not controlled by any foreign military power, including the United States or Israel. Somaliland retains full sovereignty over its airspace, ports, and infrastructure.
Furthermore, during the period from March to May, significant sections of Berbera International Airport were undergoing construction, rehabilitation, and technical improvement projects. During my stay and observations throughout that period, no foreign military aircraft were involved in operations connected to the Israel-Iran conflict. The allegations that military planes invaded or operated from Berbera Airport are therefore entirely inconsistent with the actual circumstances on the ground.
There is also no legal or political basis for any foreign country to use Somaliland territory as a launch point for military aggression against another sovereign nation without the explicit approval and involvement of the Somaliland government. Somaliland is not a proxy territory for foreign military agendas. Our national policy has always been guided by protecting the interests, sovereignty, and security of our people.
Moreover, Somaliland has no hostility toward the people or government of Iran. Both Somaliland and Iran are Muslim societies with shared religious and cultural values rooted in Islamic civilization. The people of Somaliland have traditionally respected peaceful relations with all nations regardless of political differences in the Middle East or elsewhere. Somaliland’s foreign relations are based on mutual respect, non-interference, peaceful coexistence, and regional cooperation.
Unfortunately, false reports of this nature can have dangerous consequences. In today’s highly sensitive geopolitical environment, misinformation can inflame tensions, spread distrust, and expose peaceful nations to unnecessary political pressure or security risks. Somaliland should not become the target of fabricated narratives created by regional rivalries or international political agendas.
It is also concerning that some external actors continue to use Somaliland’s strategic geographic location to spread speculation and propaganda. Berbera’s location on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has increasingly attracted international attention due to its economic and strategic importance. However, strategic importance should not become an excuse for irresponsible media reporting or geopolitical manipulation.
The international community and global media organizations must recognize that Somaliland has worked tirelessly for over thirty years to establish peace, democratic governance, and regional stability without significant international recognition or support. Somaliland has conducted multiple democratic elections, maintained security against extremist threats, and created functioning institutions through the will and resilience of its people.
Because of this achievement, Somaliland deserves fair, accurate, and balanced reporting from international media institutions. Journalism should be based on verified facts, professional investigation, and credible evidence, not speculation, anonymous claims, or politically influenced narratives.
As responsible journalists know, accusations involving military operations, sovereignty, and international conflict are extremely sensitive matters. Publishing such allegations without presenting concrete evidence risks harming innocent people, damaging diplomatic relations, and destabilizing peaceful societies. International media organizations therefore carry a heavy ethical responsibility to verify information thoroughly before publication.
The Republic of Somaliland remains committed to peace, neutrality, and constructive engagement with the international community. Somaliland has no interest in becoming involved in conflicts between global or regional powers. The priority of Somaliland remains economic development, democratic progress, regional security cooperation, and the pursuit of international recognition based on the will of its people and the historical reality of its independence.
In summary, the allegations claiming that Israeli military aircraft used Berbera International Airport during the Israel-Iran conflict are unfounded and disconnected from reality. Somaliland was not part of the war, and Berbera Airport was not used for military aggression against Iran or any other country. Somaliland remains a peaceful and stable nation that values neutrality, sovereignty, and respectful relations with all countries.
The international media must approach Somaliland-related reporting with professionalism, fairness, and factual accuracy. False narratives and politically driven speculation should not be allowed to undermine the reputation of one of the most stable and democratic societies in the Horn of Africa.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a prominent independent political analyst, senior consultant, and writer who focuses heavily on the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa
