Somaliland president expected to visit Israel, reports say

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, is expected to visit Israel this week, according to Israeli media reports.

If confirmed, the trip would mark his first visit to Israel since the country recognised the self-declared republic, which broke away from Somalia.

Somaliland diplomat Ismail Shirwac posted an image on X showing Somaliland and Israeli flags in Tel Aviv and said the president was expected to arrive on Tuesday.

Analysts have suggested Israel's recognition of Somaliland could strengthen its presence near key shipping lanes and counter the influence of Iran and its regional allies.