Sisi seeks authorisation for defence assistance to Saudi Arabia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has requested an urgent parliamentary meeting to authorize him to grant Saudi Arabia any necessary defense support. Addressing a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy, el-Sisi highlighted Egypt's willingness to defend the kingdom. Egypt will take "any measure to protect" Saudi Arabia, he assured, in alignment with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's directives.

"I am aware that this requires parliamentary approval, and I hope the parliament will convene in an emergency session to grant us this authorization, if requested," he stated. The plea comes as Saudi Arabia faces a series of attacks from Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, including assaults on airports and oil facilities. While recent strikes have primarily targeted infrastructure outside Riyadh, they seem to be approaching the city's center.

The Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh earlier this month resulted in 14 deaths and over 300 injuries. Additionally, Houthis have reportedly targeted other airports in Saudi Arabia, such as Dammam, Abha, Jazan, and Najran. In response, Yemen's Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government initiated a full-scale military operation this month to reclaim territories seized by the Houthis. Saudi Arabia already maintains a defense agreement with Pakistan and Turkiye.