The political scientist called the Houthis' threats to start a war with Israel a reaction to what is happening in the region.

Somalia is a divided state, where everyone has their own interests, Danila Krylov, a researcher at the Department of the Middle and Post-Soviet East at the INION RAS, noted in an interview with Izvestia.

The situation has become tense: the interests of Turkey and Israel have crossed in Africa

East Jerusalem recognized the independence of Somaliland

"In addition, information is now being received about the conflict between the Emirates and Saudi Arabia in Yemen over the situation with the UPS and the Saudi coalition's night strike on two ships arriving from the Emirates, which allegedly brought weapons," the political scientist said.

In his opinion, such patterns are not accidental.

"The Houthis' reaction is generally a reaction to this whole situation, because Somalia is the opposite side of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the entrance to which is controlled by the Houthis. Somaliland allows you to control the Gulf of Aden and access to the Indian Ocean. Nearby is the Yemeni island of Socotra, which is under the control of UPS and the Emirates, and which still has a Chinese presence," the expert said.

The analyst added that there is also a Chinese presence in the Djibouti area, which is closer to Bab el-Mandeb. The Houthis fear the creation of an Israeli outpost opposite them, because it will become a good base for regular airstrikes on their territories.

"In addition, it will allow Israel and the Americans to expand joint operations, since for the United States it will also strengthen its presence in the Horn of Africa. In addition, it will also be possible to block aid from Iran, China, and so on from this territory," the Arabist believes.

Read more about the situation around Israel's recognition of Somaliland in the Izvestia article:

Goal number one: The Houthis have threatened Israel with war

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