By Asha Elmi - Reporter
United States, 10 September 2026 - Somaliland is ready to provide up to 2,000 troops for a proposed international stabilization force in Gaza if requested, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said, according to i24NEWS on Thursday.
Abdullahi made the comments on the sidelines of the Middle East Engagement Forum (MEAD), saying Somaliland was not volunteering troops but would be prepared to contribute if asked. The forum was held on Sept. 8-9 in Washington.
“If they ask us, we can provide soldiers,” Abdullahi said, according to i24NEWS. “We are not volunteering, but if they ask me, I am ready.”
The proposed international force, which would be led by the United States, is expected eventually to number about 20,000 troops, i24NEWS reported. Its proposed duties include maintaining security in Gaza, training Palestinian police, facilitating humanitarian aid and preventing Hamas from rebuilding its military capabilities.
Uganda has approved the deployment of about 1,200 soldiers, while Morocco has committed to providing up to 500, according to i24NEWS. Albania, Kazakhstan and Kosovo have also pledged to participate.
Abdullahi said Somaliland has about 25,000 soldiers and 1,500 coast guard personnel, i24NEWS reported.
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Abdullahi also said Somaliland was seeking greater security cooperation with Israel, the United States and other allies, saying the territory had the manpower to defend itself but lacked weapons and advanced military technology.
He denied reports that Somaliland had agreed to allow Israel to use its territory or airspace for operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
He also rejected reports that Somaliland had agreed to receive Palestinians from Gaza.
“We have not discussed it with Israel, nor with the Americans, nor with anyone,” he said, according to i24NEWS.
An agreement signed between Somaliland and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provides for cooperation in security, trade, investment and economic development, i24NEWS reported. Somaliland is particularly interested in Israeli technology in the water sector, according to the report.