Politics · Other · 36 mins ago
Egypt approves military support for Saudi Arabia
Egypt approved military support for Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks on the kingdom intensify.
The support would come only if Riyadh asks, and Egypt’s president has said it would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders, not attacking Yemen.
The Houthis have attacked Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi oil company Aramco, disrupting flights and oil exports.
Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015, mainly sending ships to protect Red Sea shipping and playing only a limited combat role.
The fighting also threatens the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route to Egypt’s Suez Canal.
Egypt says it wants to pursue a diplomatic solution, while its parliament’s approval allows military support if Saudi Arabia requests it.
Egypt’s parliament approved military support for Saudi Arabia on October 26, including the possibility of deploying troops to defend its territory, sovereignty and holy sites.
The authorization followed a request from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and passed by a two-thirds majority after closed-door deliberations.
The decision allows Sisi to take measures in coordination with Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional tensions and Houthi attacks.
The approval could draw Egypt more directly into the regional conflict, although Sisi said Egypt’s support would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders.
- Who
- Egypt’s House of Representatives approved the authorization at President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s request.
- What
- It authorized military support for Saudi Arabia, including the possibility of deploying troops to defend the Kingdom.
- When
- October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Egypt’s parliament in Cairo approved the measure; the support would be for Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- To help defend Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional tensions and Houthi attacks.
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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Sisi in Cairo to discuss security and navigation in the Red Sea.
Egypt’s National Defense Council met, and parliament began closed-door deliberations on the request.
Parliament held a second closed-door session on the request.
Badr Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad travelled to Riyadh with a letter from Sisi.
Parliament approved the military-support authorization by a two-thirds majority after a third closed-door session.
- Approval date
- October 26, 2026
- Vote
- Two-thirds majority
- Parliamentary sessions
- October 18, 19 and 26
- Support scope
- Could include troop deployment to defend Saudi territory, sovereignty and holy sites
- Saudi targets reported
- Riyadh and southern regions of the Kingdom
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