Egypt has declared its readiness to stand firmly with Saudi Arabia against rising threats from the Houthis. The Egyptian presidency confirmed on Sunday that Cairo will offer all necessary and possible forms of support to help the kingdom defend its security, stability, resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has asked parliament for urgent authorisation that would allow the Egyptian military, one of the largest in the Arab world, to assist Saudi Arabia if Riyadh formally requests help. Lawmakers were expected to vote on Sunday, yet discussions were postponed until Monday according to two parliament members and local media reports.
The move comes as Houthi forces intensify attacks on Saudi targets. In recent days the group has struck Riyadh’s international airport and facilities belonging to state oil giant Saudi Aramco. Fighting has also resumed between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis, who control Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen. The renewed clashes threaten the vital Bab el-Mandeb shipping route after a truce collapsed.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke by phone with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, stressing the need for de-escalation across the region. The presidency’s statement followed a meeting of Egypt’s National Defence Council chaired by Sisi and attended by the parliamentary speaker, the prime minister and the army chief.
Sisi said Egypt would act according to guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince visited Cairo on 15 September after fighting in Yemen reignited. Egypt and Saudi Arabia share deep strategic and economic ties. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have long provided Egypt with financial support and investments.
Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 but limited its combat role at the time. Any new Egyptian military involvement could raise the stakes in the wider regional conflict that has already disrupted energy markets. Riyadh has sought help from regional partners after the United States declined direct strikes against the Houthis, offering only intelligence and targeting assistance instead.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday for talks on regional security with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, signalling continued coordination among Gulf states.
