00:00The leader of Yemen's Houthi rebels has warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a military target
00:08after Israel last Friday became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared republic.
00:14Abdul Malik al-Houthi says such a move would be seen as aggression against Somalia and Yemen
00:19and could pose a serious threat to regional security.
00:24Somaliland unilaterally broke away from Somalia in 1991.
00:28Last Friday, Israel became the first country to formally recognize its claim to independence.
00:35Somaliland has sought international recognition for decades
00:38and sits in a strategically important position along the Gulf of Aden.
00:43Despite the lack of formal recognition, the region runs its own currency, passport system and security forces.
00:51Regional analysts say closer ties between Israel and Somaliland
00:54could give Israel greater access to the Red Sea, a key route for commercial shipping.
01:01Such access could also strengthen Israel's ability to strike putty positions inside Yemen.
01:10China has joined a growing list of countries rejecting Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
01:16Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposes any attempt to split Somali territory,
01:23reaffirming China's support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
01:29Over 20 countries, mainly from the Middle East and Africa,
01:32along with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC,
01:36warned that Israel's move could have serious repercussions for peace and security
01:41in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
01:43While stopping short of rejecting the move outright,
01:47US President Donald Trump said Washington does not intend to immediately follow Israel in recognising Somaliland.
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