Egypt has pledged support to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces escalating attacks from the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, raising concerns about potential broader regional involvement in the conflict. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who chairs Egypt’s National Defense Council, announced that Cairo would provide “all necessary and possible forms of support” to help defend Saudi Arabia but did not specify the nature of the assistance.
On Saturday, el-Sisi requested that the Egyptian parliament hold an emergency session to authorize possible military support to Saudi Arabia, pending a formal request from Riyadh. Lawmakers have been debating the measure, with many expressing backing for the initiative. Parliamentary discussions were extended to allow all members to speak, and deliberations were set to continue. Egyptian officials emphasized that any intervention would be defensive and aimed solely at protecting Saudi Arabia’s security and stability.
The request for support from Egypt follows a sharp increase in attacks by the Houthis, who have intensified missile and drone strikes on Saudi infrastructure, including airports and critical oil facilities. Since early October, the Houthis have launched almost daily assaults, resulting in casualties and significant damage. Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco facilities have been among the primary targets. Saudi authorities have reported at least 19 deaths linked to these attacks in recent weeks.
While neither Egypt nor Saudi Arabia has publicly confirmed a formal request for Egyptian troops, the kingdom has been actively seeking international assistance. Britain has agreed to provide aerial refueling support, and France has pledged troops and equipment to protect key Saudi oil export hubs. The United States, although declining calls from Saudi officials for direct military strikes against Houthi targets last month, continues to offer substantial military support, including intelligence sharing and targeting assistance.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen involves the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthi militia, which receives support from Iran. Recently, the fighting has increasingly spilled over into Saudi territory, marking an intensification of the decade-long war. On Sunday, the Saudi-led coalition reported a military helicopter crash near the Yemeni border, which resulted in the deaths of two officers. Coalition spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki attributed the crash to a technical malfunction and dismissed claims by the Houthis that their forces had downed the aircraft.
President el-Sisi has called for an end to the hostilities and stressed that Egypt’s involvement would not be offensive but strictly defensive. His remarks underscore Cairo’s position of supporting a key regional ally while seeking to avoid escalation. With parliamentary approval pending and details yet to be clarified, Egypt’s commitment signals a significant development in the regional dynamics surrounding the Yemen conflict.