Egypt's parliament backs military support for Saudi Arabia
Egypt's parliament has authorised President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take necessary measures to support Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks, passing the measure with at least a two-thirds majority on 26 Oct. Al-Sisi said the support would defend Saudi territory and borders and would not include attacks on Yemen. The Social Democratic Party, which holds 11 seats, abstained. The move follows escalating Houthi attacks that have raised concerns over Saudi security and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen's war in 2015. No formal Saudi request for Egyptian troops has been announced.
Key facts
- Parliament held three secret meetings on the matter and postponed the vote twice before passing it.
- The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted three ballistic missiles and four drones launched by the Houthis.
- The missiles were aimed at Saudi Arabia's eastern region and the drones at its southern region.
- A Houthi official called Egypt's support a declaration of war against Yemen, posted on Telegram.
- Egypt deployed around 800 ground troops during its previous involvement in Yemen.
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Why it matters
Egypt, one of the region's largest militaries, could deploy forces in a widening conflict involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
What changed
First published from The National, Asharq Al-Awsat, The Straits Times, Anadolu Agency and Dawn