President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seeks parliamentary authorisation for possible military assistance to Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks.
CAIRO, EGYPT — WEB DESK: Egypt has pledged to provide Saudi Arabia with the support needed to defend its security and stability as President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seeks parliamentary authorisation for possible military assistance to the kingdom amid escalating Houthi attacks.
The Egyptian presidency announced the commitment on Sunday following a meeting of the country’s National Defence Council, chaired by Sisi. The statement said Egypt was prepared to provide the necessary support to protect Saudi Arabia’s security, territorial integrity, resources and Islamic holy sites.
The development comes as renewed fighting in Yemen and attacks attributed to the Iran-aligned Houthi movement raise concerns about a wider regional conflict.
According to Reuters, Egyptian lawmakers postponed discussions on the proposed military authorisation until Monday after a vote initially expected on Sunday did not take place.
Sisi seeks parliamentary authorisation
Sisi requested an urgent parliamentary session to authorise possible military assistance to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh formally sought Egypt’s support.
The Egyptian president said the country’s position was defensive and intended to protect its Gulf ally rather than initiate an offensive against another country.
The proposed authorisation could allow Egypt to respond to a Saudi request for assistance, although the precise scope of any potential military involvement has not been publicly established.
As of Monday, October 19, parliamentary discussions were expected to continue. No completed authorisation vote was confirmed in the Reuters report.
Houthi attacks raise regional security concerns
The Egyptian announcement follows intensified attacks by Yemen’s Houthis against Saudi targets, including Riyadh’s international airport and facilities associated with state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco, according to Reuters.
The attacks have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia as it faces renewed fighting with Houthi forces, who control Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen.
The conflict also threatens security around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Disruption in the area could affect commercial shipping and energy transportation.
The renewed hostilities have unfolded amid the wider US-Israeli war involving Iran, increasing concerns that the conflict could draw additional regional powers into direct military involvement.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain close ties
Egypt and Saudi Arabia have longstanding strategic and economic relations. Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf states have provided Egypt with substantial financial assistance, investments and central-bank deposits over the years.
Egypt also participated in the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised Yemeni government against the Houthis, although its direct combat role was limited.
The latest pledge signals Cairo’s willingness to support Riyadh’s security needs if assistance is requested and the necessary domestic approvals are secured.
However, a declaration of support does not by itself confirm that Egyptian troops will be deployed or that Egypt has entered the conflict directly.
Egypt calls for de-escalation
Alongside its security commitment, Egypt has called for efforts to contain regional tensions and pursue diplomatic solutions.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said he discussed regional developments and the importance of de-escalation during a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, according to Reuters.
The diplomatic engagement highlights the challenge facing regional governments as they seek to support their allies while avoiding a broader confrontation.
