Somaliland Ready to Send 2,000 Soldiers for Gaza 'Peacekeeping Force'

By Al Mayadeen English

11 Sep 2026 00:03

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro says up to 2,000 soldiers could be deployed to Gaza for a so-called peacekeeping mission if officially requested.

Somaliland is ready to participate in security and peacekeeping efforts in Gaza, self-proclaimed President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has announced, indicating that around 2,000 soldiers could be deployed for a peacekeeping mission if an official request is received from the relevant parties.

According to the Somalia Now website, Irro said during his visit to the United States that "Somaliland is ready to provide security support and participate in international arrangements aimed at enhancing security and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza."

The remarks come amid international moves to discuss new security arrangements in Gaza, alongside the continuation of the regional war, including military escalation and growing interest in the security of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Irro's visit to Washington comes as part of the separatist Somaliland administration's efforts to strengthen its international relations and obtain political support for its bid for recognition.

Irro's visit to Washington

Self-proclaimed Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro departed on September 3 for the United States on an official working visit, with a stopover in the United Arab Emirates, marking his first trip to the US since assuming the presidency.

Irro is expected to visit New York, where he will hold meetings with members of the US House of Representatives and Senate. Diplomatic sources have said he hopes to meet with US President Donald Trump.

According to the self-proclaimed Somaliland Presidency, the agenda will focus on strengthening relations with the United States, expanding security and economic cooperation, promoting investment, and advancing efforts to secure international recognition.

Trip comes three months after visit to 'Israel'

The visit comes about three months after Irro's trip to Israel, which Israeli media described as historic, and follows "Israel's" announcement in December 2025 that it had recognized Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland has since offered "Israel" access to establish a military base at Berbera.

President Irro departed on September 3, 2026, according to a statement from his office, which said the trip aims to strengthen diplomatic relations, security and economic cooperation, attract investment, and advance the recognition agenda.

In response, Mogadishu has significantly upgraded its diplomatic mission to the United States, expanding a delegation originally planned as a mid-level team led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar and placing it under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama.