Egypt Pledges Defence Support for Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said on Saturday that Egypt is ready to take any measure to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks if Riyadh asks for help. Speaking at the Egyptian Military Academy, he stated that Cairo does not want to fight or attack anyone and will act only in defence.

Egypt’s National Defence Council met on Sunday at Al Ittihadiya Palace and pledged all necessary and possible forms of support to protect the kingdom’s security, territory and Islamic holy sites. The council said Saudi Arabia’s security is linked to Egypt’s own security and wider Arab national security.

“It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed.”

Parliament was scheduled to hold an emergency closed session on Sunday at 1pm to vote on authorising the president to send forces abroad. Under the constitution, the president needs the council’s consultation and approval from two-thirds of MPs before deploying the army on a combat mission.

The Houthi-run parliament in Sanaa warned Egypt on Saturday against being drawn into the conflict. Its speaker said Cairo categorically rejects being placed in the same trench as takfiri forces and the Israeli occupation entity.

Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015 but has mainly focused on securing Red Sea shipping routes. The Suez Canal has lost about 11 billion dollars in revenue since Houthi attacks on commercial vessels began in 2023, according to Egypt’s foreign minister.