Egypt has pledged full support to Saudi Arabia amid a surge in missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants, signaling a potential shift in Cairo’s regional stance. The Egyptian presidency announced it would provide all necessary assistance to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s security and stability, while also intensifying diplomatic efforts to ease broader regional tensions.
The announcement followed an escalation in hostilities, with Saudi air defenses intercepting two ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushayt and a drone over Riyadh early on Tuesday, according to coalition officials. In a separate incident, a projectile from Houthi forces struck a residential area in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region, injuring six people and causing damage to three homes and vehicles. Saudi authorities condemned the attack as a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi, endorsed plans to support Saudi Arabia in protecting its territorial integrity, resources, and Islamic holy sites. While Egyptian lawmaker Mostafa Bakry stated the council approved sending troops to the kingdom on a defensive mission, official presidential statements did not explicitly confirm troop deployment. Under Egypt’s constitution, any deployment of combat forces abroad requires consultation with the National Defence Council and a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
Despite the council’s decision, Egypt’s parliament postponed a vote on Al Sissi’s request for authorization of military support for Saudi Arabia, with discussions expected to resume shortly. Reports indicate general parliamentary backing for the measure, though the exact nature and scope of the assistance remain undefined.
President Al Sissi emphasized that Egypt’s involvement would be strictly defensive in nature, underlining that Saudi security is essential for broader regional stability. “We are speaking only about defence,” he stated, seeking to assuage concerns over any escalatory ambitions.
The Houthis, however, issued warnings against Egyptian military involvement, cautioned that such actions could threaten Egypt’s own national security and stability. This comes amid intensified Houthi attacks targeting key Saudi infrastructure, including energy facilities and Riyadh’s international airport.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the United Arab Emirates President, called for an end to hostile rhetoric among Gulf voices on social media. Gargash urged the public to reject offensive language and emphasized the need for responsible discourse during this critical period for the region, noting that differences in assessments should not lead to disrespectful exchanges.
As the conflict in Yemen escalates, Cairo’s potential military backing of Riyadh signals a notable development in regional dynamics, reflecting growing concerns over the security threats posed by the ongoing Houthi insurgency.