Somaliland is prepared to deploy up to 2,000 soldiers as part of the international stabilization force being considered for the Gaza Strip, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said Wednesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the MEAD conference, Abdullahi said he is waiting for a request from Israel or the United States before taking part in the mission.

“If they ask us, we can provide soldiers,” he said. “We are not volunteering, but if they ask me, I am ready.”

The force, which would be led by the United States, is expected to eventually include approximately 20,000 troops. Its responsibilities would include providing security in Gaza, training Palestinian police, facilitating humanitarian aid and preventing Hamas from restoring its military control over the Strip.

Uganda has already approved the deployment of approximately 1,200 soldiers, while Morocco has committed to providing up to 500 troops. Albania, Kazakhstan and Kosovo have also promised to participate.

Somaliland has an army of approximately 25,000 soldiers and 1,500 coast guards, according to Abdullahi. The territory has never previously contributed troops to an African Union force.

In December 2025, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland’s independence. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but its status remains disputed. The territory opened an embassy in Jerusalem in June, during the first official visit to Israel by its president.

Abdullahi said the recognition significantly increased Somaliland’s international visibility. He is expected to meet with members of Congress in the coming days to discuss possible U.S. recognition and security cooperation.

The president said Somaliland has the manpower needed to defend itself but lacks weapons and advanced technology. He expressed hope that Israel, the United States and other allies would assist the territory in confronting Somalia’s military buildup, which is supported by Turkey.

Abdullahi denied reports that Somaliland had agreed to accept Palestinians from Gaza as part of its rapprochement with Israel.

“We have not discussed it with Israel, the Americans or anyone else,” he said.

The agreement signed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu includes cooperation in security, trade, investment and economic development. Somaliland is particularly interested in benefiting from Israeli water technologies.

Abdullahi also denied that discussions had taken place regarding the possible use of Somaliland’s territory or airspace by Israel for operations against the Houthis in Yemen.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)