Somaliland Offers US Access to Berbera Port and Air Base Amid Red Sea Shipping Disruptions

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has proposed providing the United States with access to the Berbera port and an air base. S. operations in response to disruptions in key maritime routes.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a 16-mile-wide passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, handles up to 14% of global shipping. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has shifted oil shipping routes toward the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia reportedly ships up to seven million barrels of oil daily from its Yanbu port through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Iran-backed Houthi forces have targeted vessels in the strait, increasing threats to international trade. S. S. Forces in Africa, visited the Berbera facilities in November 2025. The visit involved inspections of the port and meetings with Somaliland leaders.

Berbera features a deep-water port and one of Africa's longest runways, originally developed as a NASA emergency landing site.

Strategic Importance of Berbera The Bab el-Mandeb Strait has become a critical route for oil shipments from the Middle East to Asia since the Strait of Hormuz closure.

S. maintains a base in Djibouti, another Red Sea location, but reports indicate challenges in cooperation there for enforcing sanctions on Houthi activities. Somaliland's position allows potential operations along Yemen's western and southwestern coasts.

S. was examining recognition of Somaliland. He mentioned ongoing work related to Somaliland and possible resettlement options. However, a State Department spokesperson reported this week that the United States recognizes the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, including Somaliland's territory.

Israel recognized Somaliland last year, marking the first such international acknowledgment. S. military in Africa stated that it is not seeking new bases, as such actions do not align with the America First security framework.

S. Forces in Africa have visited Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa.

Regional Tensions and Responses An IRGC-linked news agency warned on March 21, 2026, that insecurity in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea is an option for the Resistance Front, complicating matters for the U.S. Houthi actions in the Red Sea are reportedly encouraged by Iran. S. has sought warships from other countries to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Somaliland's official site highlighted Berbera's strategic value last month, noting its role in connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

The port and runway support sea and air operations. S. military interest. S. continues to engage with regional partners amid these developments. Potential use of Somaliland facilities could enhance monitoring and response capabilities in the area.

No immediate decisions on recognition or basing have been announced.