Egypt's Sisi seeks parliamentary approval to deploy Egyptian military in support of Saudi Arabia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has requested an urgent parliamentary session to authorize the military to help defend Saudi Arabia against escalating Houthi attacks. The presidency stated Egypt is ready to provide support for Saudi security and stability. A parliamentary vote was expected but discussions continue. Any Egyptian military backing could mark a major escalation in the wider Iran war.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has requested an urgent parliamentary session to authorize the Egyptian military to help defend Saudi Arabia against escalating Houthi attacks. The presidency stated that Egypt is ready to provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary support to defend its security, stability, resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites. A parliamentary vote was expected on Sunday but discussions are set to continue on Monday, according to lawmakers and local media. Any Egyptian military backing for Saudi Arabia could mark a major escalation in the wider Iran war, which has threatened global energy supplies and sent oil prices soaring since the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February. The Houthis have recently attacked Riyadh's international airport and Saudi Aramco, and their advances threaten the strategic Bab el-Mandeb oil shipping route. Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 but played a limited combat role. The article notes that if Egypt weighs in, it could face attacks by the Houthis, who have emerged as a deadly force with missiles and drones.