Egypt approves military support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks escalate

Egypt's parliament has authorized President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take "all necessary measures" to assist Saudi Arabia in defending itself against Houthi attacks, potentially escalating Egypt's involvement in the conflict. The move comes as the Houthis' advances threaten the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and raise concerns about Egypt's Suez Canal.

Two-thirds of the chamber supported the measure, according to a parliamentary statement. Egypt has previously condemned Iranian and Houthi attacks on Gulf countries but has not engaged in direct combat or joined the Makkah mutual defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. Sisi's support is limited to defending Saudi territory and borders, not attacking Yemen.

Egypt's Foreign Minister and intelligence chief recently visited Riyadh to deliver a letter to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the scope of Egypt's support. Egypt has a long history of involvement in Yemen's conflict, having joined the Saudi-led coalition in 2015 and sending naval forces to secure Red Sea shipping lanes. Egypt's participation in the conflict has been limited since the 1991 Gulf War.