Egyptian President: Ready for military support to defend Saudi Arabia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced on the 17th (local time) that he is ready to provide military support to defend Saudi Arabia, which is under attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

He also added that if military intervention for defensive purposes becomes necessary, he will request an emergency meeting of Congress to approve it.

In his speech at the military academy graduation ceremony that day, President El-Sisi said that he would immediately respond to any request for support from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He said, "If requested, I hope Congress will hold an emergency session and give us (military intervention) authority," but emphasized, "Our purpose is not to preemptively attack or fight anyone, but only for defense."

President El-Sisi's remarks came at a time when Yemen's pro-Iranian rebels, the Houthis, have recently sharply escalated their offensive targeting Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis are heightening tensions in the region by carrying out a series of drone and missile attacks targeting major Saudi energy facilities as well as civilian infrastructure, including the attack on Riyadh International Airport, which killed 13 people last week.

Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman, who became anxious amid the Houthi threat, made a surprise visit to Egypt last month and met with President El-Sisi.

At that time, the two countries reaffirmed their strong alliance by discussing joint responses to security threats and strengthening economic and military cooperation.

President El-Sisi's promise to support defense can be interpreted as a public declaration of the close cooperation between the two countries, which was established through Crown Prince bin Salman's visit.

Egypt, with a population of 110 million, has so far avoided direct military intervention in the conflict with Iran or attacks by Houthi rebels and has sought to act as a mediator.

However, President El-Sisi has continued to condemn attacks against Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, and has maintained the position that the security and stability of the Gulf region are directly related to Egypt's national security.