Egypt approves military support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks escalate
USO•Egypt's parliament authorised military support to help defend Saudi Arabia if Riyadh requests it, after Houthi attacks on the kingdom escalated. The Houthis have attacked Riyadh's international airport and Saudi Aramco, disrupting flights and oil exports.
1. Parliament approves support
Egypt's parliament authorised the military to help defend Saudi Arabia, after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asked for approval last week. Sisi said Egypt's support would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders, rather than attacking Yemen.
2. Conflict and prior role
The Houthis' intensified attacks have made Yemen a volatile front in the US-Israeli war on Iran. Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in 2015, mainly as a naval partner, and also deployed around 800 ground troops, but played a limited combat role. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said this month that joining a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey remained under serious consideration; he has also said Cairo supports exploring opportunities for a diplomatic resolution.
