A report by Le Monde has revealed the construction of a covert military base in the city of Berbera, located in Somaliland, under Emirati supervision and aligned with Israeli and United States strategic interests. The development reflects accelerating military competition across the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Satellite imagery reviewed by the publication shows significant expansion work at Berbera Airport since October 2025, including runway extensions and the construction of new military-style facilities.
The construction is taking place at a site on the outskirts of the coastal city, away from media attention and international oversight, with progress advancing at a rapid pace.
Strategic Location at a Critical Maritime Chokepoint
Berbera has drawn increasing attention due to its strategic position near the southern entrance of the Red Sea, close to the Bab al Mandab Strait, one of the world’s most critical routes for global oil shipments and international trade.
The airport upgrade is part of a broader plan to convert the site into a forward operating military base serving a trilateral alignment involving the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Israel.
According to the report, the base is located approximately seven kilometres west of the city centre, in an area with infrastructure suitable for military expansion. It includes a long runway capable of accommodating military cargo aircraft and fighter jets.
This positioning enables direct monitoring of maritime traffic in the Gulf of Aden and provides a rapid response capability to emerging naval threats.
Israeli Expansion Tied to Diplomatic Recognition
The report links the military project to Israel’s announcement on 26 December 2025, recognising Somaliland’s independence, a move described as unprecedented in international diplomacy.
This step is presented not as a symbolic gesture, but as part of a broader strategy aimed at establishing a sustained Israeli military presence in the region.
The initiative is attributed directly to Benjamin Netanyahu, who is pursuing the establishment of a forward base in the Gulf of Aden, close to the Yemeni coastline.
Rising Security Tensions Driving Militarisation
The expansion is closely tied to escalating security tensions in the region, particularly linked to the activities of the Houthis, which are aligned with Iran.
Recent months have seen intensified military operations targeting maritime routes in the Red Sea. According to the report, attacks claimed by the group against Israel on 28 March marked a significant escalation in threat levels, raising concerns over a potential disruption of the Bab al Mandab Strait.
Control over this chokepoint is considered a strategic priority for both the United States and Israel. Any threat to its closure is treated as a red line that would trigger direct military intervention, explaining the accelerated pace of construction in Berbera.
UAE’s Expanding Military Footprint in the Horn of Africa
The United Arab Emirates plays a central role in the project, leveraging its established ties with Somaliland. Abu Dhabi has previously invested in the development of Berbera Port, transforming it into a regional logistics hub.
This latest move aligns with a broader Emirati strategy to expand military influence across the Horn of Africa and secure control over vital maritime corridors.
The establishment of a joint base enhances operational coordination between the three parties, providing an advanced platform for intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, and naval monitoring.
Notably, the location offers Israel a direct operational foothold in a highly sensitive region, beyond its traditional base network.
Regional Concerns and Legal Questions
The project has raised regional concerns, particularly due to the limited international recognition of Somaliland. This raises legal and political questions regarding the legitimacy of establishing foreign military bases on its territory.
Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory, is likely to view this development as a direct challenge, potentially intensifying tensions.
A Broader Race for Control of the Red Sea
The developments in Berbera reflect a wider geopolitical contest over control of the Red Sea, driven by overlapping international and regional interests alongside rising security threats.
The base forms part of an expanding network of military sites aimed at securing influence over one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
Strategic Shift like Conflict
The report concludes that the situation in Berbera signals a broader transformation in regional conflict dynamics. The focus is shifting away from conventional warfare toward control over maritime routes and critical infrastructure.
This transition highlights the increasing importance of strategic positioning, logistics, and infrastructure dominance in shaping future power balances across the Horn of Africa and the wider region.
