Saudi Arabia ntercepts Houthi drones as Egypt offers defensive support

Saudi Arabia thwarted four Houthi drones over Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the south on Saturday, amid escalating attacks that have heightened security concerns. In response, Egypt expressed readiness to offer defensive support to the kingdom if requested, with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi vowing to take any measures necessary to protect Saudi Arabia from harm.

Egypt's offer pertained to defense rather than engaging in regional conflicts. The interceptions highlight the mounting pressure on Saudi Arabia as the Yemen conflict intensifies, with the Houthis targeting oil installations, tankers, and transport hubs. Earlier last week, an airport attack in Riyadh claimed 13 lives. The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's recognized government confirmed that the four drones were destroyed in the past few hours.

Security measures in the capital, Riyadh, have been tightened, including the extension of remote learning for students in Riyadh and Diriyah. A mobile phone alert warned residents of a "hostile aerial threat" on Sunday, but the alert was lifted after a brief period. Egypt's potential involvement could signify an expansion of its role beyond maritime security, although its contributions have largely focused on protecting the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of encouraging Houthi escalation, an assertion Tehran denies. Iran proposes a comprehensive political process as the only viable solution to resolve the conflict, while Yemen's Foreign Minister rejects the proposal, stating that Iran is a party to the war against Yemenis and not a mediator. The diplomatic tensions persist as Saudi Arabia continues air strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, with Iran claiming the kingdom has carried out 53 strikes on various provinces in the following 24 hours, causing numerous casualties.