Egypt Pledges Support for Saudi Arabia as Houthi Attacks Escalate

Egypt has pledged to provide Saudi Arabia with the support needed to defend its security and stability as attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement intensify, raising concerns about a wider regional confrontation.

The Egyptian presidency announced on Sunday, October 18, that Cairo would provide “all necessary and possible forms of support” to protect Saudi Arabia’s security, resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites. The statement followed a meeting of Egypt’s National Defence Council chaired by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The announcement came a day after Sisi asked parliament to convene an emergency session to consider authorising possible military assistance to Saudi Arabia if the kingdom formally requests it. Egyptian lawmakers were expected to continue discussions on the request on Monday, according to Reuters. No deployment of Egyptian forces had been confirmed in the reports available on Sunday.

The move follows a series of Houthi attacks on Saudi targets, including Riyadh’s international airport and facilities belonging to state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco. The attacks have coincided with renewed fighting between the Houthis and forces backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government after a truce collapsed.

Speaking at a military academy graduation ceremony on Saturday, Sisi said Egypt was prepared to act to defend Saudi Arabia if asked, while stressing that Cairo was not seeking to attack another country. He also indicated that any military action would require the appropriate parliamentary authorisation.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain close strategic and economic ties, with Riyadh having provided Cairo with substantial financial assistance and investments over the years. Egypt also joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 in support of the internationally recognised government, although its combat role was limited.

The latest developments have heightened concerns about the security of the Red Sea and nearby shipping routes, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key passage linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Disruption in the area could affect international trade and Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues.

While Cairo’s pledge signals stronger support for Riyadh, the extent of any assistance will depend on Saudi Arabia’s request and the outcome of Egypt’s parliamentary deliberations. The diplomatic and military implications could become clearer as the conflict develops.