The United Arab Emirates is constructing military infrastructure at Berbera Airport that could support operations involving Israel, the UAE and the United States, according to a report by French newspaper Le Monde.
The report cites satellite imagery, European security sources and military analysts, claiming the project has accelerated following Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. Somaliland authorities, however, have repeatedly denied that Israel has established a military base in the territory.
According to Le Monde, satellite images taken between October 2025 and March 2026 show extensive excavation and construction south of Berbera’s runway. Security sources quoted by the newspaper say the underground structures resemble storage facilities for ammunition, weapons or fuel.
The report further alleges that the UAE is carrying out the construction as part of broader security cooperation involving Israel and the United States. Neither the UAE nor Israel has publicly confirmed the claims.
Regional tensions have intensified following reports of the project, with Yemen’s Houthi movement warning that it would target any Israeli military presence in Somaliland if confirmed. Meanwhile, some traditional leaders in Somaliland have voiced concern that foreign military facilities could draw the region into wider geopolitical conflicts.
Somaliland’s government continues to reject reports that Israel operates a military base in Berbera, describing such claims as speculation while acknowledging limited security cooperation and training with Israel.
This version keeps the reporting neutral by attributing claims to their reported sources and noting official denials, which is consistent with the style used by major Kenyan news outlets.
