Egypt’s Sisi says Cairo is ready to help defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks if asked, as parliament prepares an emergency session on the Yemen conflict.
Egypt Ready Defend Saudi Arabia Houthi Attacks
Egypt’s president has said Cairo would stand with Riyadh if asked, while parliament prepares to meet in an emergency session to consider the request.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday that his country is prepared to help protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks if the kingdom asks for support. His remarks come as violence in Yemen and the wider region continues to escalate.
Sisi: Egypt Cannot Stand Aside
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy, Sisi said Egypt is not seeking a larger role in regional conflicts. He added, however, that it would be unthinkable for Cairo to remain on the sidelines if Saudi Arabia’s security were under threat.
He stressed that any move would follow the wishes of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and remain strictly defensive. “We are speaking only about defence,” he said, making clear Egypt is not planning offensive action.
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Parliament to Meet in Emergency Session
Sisi said sending any forces abroad would require parliamentary approval. State media later reported that, at his request, lawmakers will hold an emergency session on Sunday to weigh possible support for Saudi defences.
Egypt’s Stake in the Red Sea
Egypt has been part of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen since 2015, though its contribution has mostly centred on protecting Red Sea shipping lanes rather than ground combat.
The stakes are also economic. Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, said last month that the Suez Canal has lost around $11 billion in revenue since the Houthis began targeting commercial ships in 2023. During a visit to Egypt last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sisi jointly called for safe and open navigation in the Red Sea.
Egypt has not signed the Makkah agreement, a mutual defence pact agreed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan in August. Cairo says it is still reviewing the deal.
Iran Renews Mediation Offer
Iran, which Saudi Arabia accuses of encouraging the Houthis’ latest escalation (a claim Tehran rejects), called for a political solution. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Baghdad, repeated Iran’s offer to mediate. He said an inclusive political process is the only sustainable path forward and that regional security must be built jointly.
Latest Fighting
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted four drones over Riyadh, the Eastern Province and the south on Saturday, according to coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki. The kingdom has faced repeated missile and drone attacks on oil facilities, tankers and airports.
Houthi-affiliated media reported that overnight Saudi air strikes killed at least 12 people in Yemen, including three children, with casualties in Taiz and Dhamar. The same outlets alleged the use of cluster munitions. The coalition had not responded to the claim at the time of reporting, and these casualty figures have not been independently verified.
The war has flared up again since July. The Houthis have struck Saudi energy sites and ships, and an attack on Riyadh’s international airport last week killed 13 people. The group has also taken territory near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, adding pressure on Red Sea trade and energy exports.
Houthis Release 159 Fighters
Separately, the Houthis announced an amnesty releasing 159 pro-government fighters following their recent territorial gains. The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed the release and said it assisted with interviews, health checks, family contact and transport.
This news is taken from Dawn News
