Egypt’s president says Cairo will act if Riyadh asks and wants parliament ready to approve it, after a week of Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and oil sites.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi pledges to defend Saudi Arabia if Riyadh asks for help, saying on Saturday that Cairo is ready to act as Houthi attacks on the kingdom intensify. Speaking at a military academy graduation ceremony on the outskirts of Cairo, he called on parliament to convene an emergency session to authorize action if it becomes necessary, according to Bloomberg.
Sisi Pledges to Defend Saudi Arabia, With Conditions
Daily Sabah reported that Sisi said Egypt is prepared to take any measures Saudi Arabia requests to protect its security and sovereignty. “We will take any measure to protect Saudi Arabia,” he said. The outlet noted he did not specify what steps Egypt might take or name a particular threat.
Egyptian Streets reported that Sisi stressed any action would depend on a request from Riyadh and require parliamentary approval. “We will only defend Saudi Arabia,” he said. The outlet added that on Thursday, October 15, he said threats to Saudi Arabia would also affect Egyptian and Arab national security.
Türkiye Today reported that he also said Egypt would not allow harm to the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, and thanked Gulf states for supporting Egypt after 2013. Daily Sabah said he also confirmed he will leave office when his term ends in 2030.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Continue
The Associated Press reported that at least 19 people have been killed and school classes cancelled. It said the Houthis have repeatedly struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and hit the headquarters of Aramco, the national oil company.
Al Jazeera reported that an attack on the airport on October 10 killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300. It later reported that many international airlines suspended flights to Saudi Arabia, including Air France KLM, Lufthansa, Delta and Qatar Airways, and that the Houthis hit an administrative building at Aramco in Dhahran on October 13.
The Council on Foreign Relations conflict tracker, citing AP, said Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a Houthi cruise missile aimed at the Medina area on October 15. Houthi forces denied launching strikes that day.
Why the Iran Backed Houthis Are Targeting the Kingdom
According to the AP, the Houthis attack Saudi Arabia because it supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government in the civil war. The group resumed attacks in July and declared a blockade on Saudi shipping. The AP said a senior Saudi diplomat told reporters this week that Iran was encouraging the escalation. Iran denies arming the Houthis.
The Houthi attacks have also raised concern about the Red Sea, a route Egypt depends on for trade. News of Bahrain reported that Sisi stressed the need to safeguard Red Sea navigation. For more background, see our Yemen conflict coverage and Saudi Arabia news.
Will Egypt Send Troops to Saudi Arabia?
No deployment has been announced. Sisi gave no details of the measures, and he tied any action to a Saudi request and parliamentary approval. News of Bahrain reported that Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has also reiterated Egypt’s backing for Saudi security.
Egypt is separate from the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement. Al Jazeera reported that Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed that pact on August 7. Khaleej Times published images of a September 25 meeting in Riyadh between the Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani military chiefs.
Diplomatic Fallout and Gulf Security
Alhurra reported that the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council postponed a summit scheduled for October 24 in Saudi Arabia because of the continuing attacks. Gulf News reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the kingdom will use all available means to defend itself, while keeping the diplomatic path open. The AP said diplomatic options remain limited because the Houthis demand that Saudi Arabia lift its blockade.
FAQs
What did Sisi say about defending Saudi Arabia?
Sisi said Egypt will take any measure to protect Saudi Arabia if Riyadh requests help, and he asked parliament to be ready to meet in an emergency session.
Why is Egypt ready to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks?
Sisi linked Saudi security to Egyptian and Arab national security. The Iran backed Houthis have struck Saudi airports and Aramco sites in recent weeks.
Will Egypt’s parliament hold an emergency session to defend Saudi Arabia?
Sisi called on parliament to be ready. None of the outlets reviewed reported a session date.
How many people have Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia killed?
The AP reported at least 19 deaths. Al Jazeera reported at least 14 on October 12.
What is the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, and is Egypt part of it?
It is a pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan on August 7. Egypt is not a signatory.
Which Saudi sites have Houthi attacks hit, including King Khalid International Airport and Aramco?
Reports name King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and an Aramco building in Dhahran. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting missiles aimed at other areas.