Egypt's Ssisi says he'll defend Saudi Arabia, if asked
Quick Look
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi stated Egypt is prepared to defend Saudi Arabia if requested, citing strong strategic ties and condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi targets, including energy facilities and Riyadh's airport.
- He emphasized the need for parliamentary approval and noted an emergency session is expected on Sunday to authorize potential military support.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Egypt and Saudi Arabia have maintained strong strategic and economic ties, with Egypt participating in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since 2015. The Houthis, an Iran-backed group, have been engaged in conflict with Saudi Arabia since the kingdom intervened in Yemen's civil war. Recent Houthi attacks have targeted Saudi energy facilities and airports, including a deadly strike that killed 13 people a week prior.
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi on Saturday said that his country stood ready to defend Saudi Arabia, if asked to so.
Sissi said that while Egypt was "not looking for a role to play" in regional conflicts, it was "inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed."
The comments came as Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have ramped up attacks on Saudi targets, including strikes on energy facilities and Riyadh's main airport.
'We are speaking only about defense,' says Sisi
"Egypt, of course, with the directives of His Majesty King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will carry out any measure to protect you or defend you," Sissi said at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian military academy.
"I'm not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone," Sissi said. "We are speaking only about defense."
"I know this requires the approval of the Egyptian parliament, and I ask that an emergency session be held so that it can give us that authorization if we are asked," the Egyptian leader said.
An emergency session in Egypt's parliament is expected to be held on Sunday to consider whether to authorise potentially assisting in Saudi Arabia's defence.
Houthi-Saudi conflict
The Houthis have clashed with Saudi Arabia since the kingdom stepped into Yemen's civil war to lead a military coalition against the Iran-backed fighters in 2015.
The Houthis have launched repeated attacks against Saudi Arabia, also attacking the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
A week ago, one of those attacks killed 13 people in what was the deadliest in the country in over a decade.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia share strong strategic and economic ties. Egypt was part of the Saudi-led coalition that stepped in 2015 to support the Yemeni government against the Houthis.
Disruption in the Red Sea as a result of Houthi attacks has impacted the revenue coming from shipping traffic in the Suez Canal.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Egypt's parliament will hold an emergency session on Sunday to consider authorizing military support for Saudi Arabia.
Very likely · Within days
If authorized, Egypt may deploy defensive military assets to protect Saudi infrastructure from Houthi attacks.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific measures would Egypt take to defend Saudi Arabia?
- Will the Egyptian parliament approve the emergency authorization for military action?
- How might increased Egyptian involvement affect the broader Yemen conflict and regional alliances?
