Egypt pledges full support to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Egypt announced on Sunday that it is prepared to give “all necessary and possible support” to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces a series of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The statement came from the National Defence Council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi, which affirmed that Egypt stands “fully with” Saudi Arabia in defending its resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites.

The council also said Cairo will step up diplomatic initiatives aimed at de‑escalating the conflict. In recent days the Iran‑backed Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have struck Riyadh’s international airport and hit the state oil company Saudi Aramco, intensifying fighting in Yemen between the rebels and forces loyal to the Saudi‑backed internationally recognised government after a truce collapsed.

In a speech on Saturday, President el‑Sisi said Egypt would act according to guidance from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who visited Egypt last month following the renewed hostilities in Yemen. He also called for an emergency session of parliament on Sunday to grant him the authority to approve any Saudi request for defence assistance.

During the Crown Prince’s visit to Cairo, el‑Sisi expressed support for Saudi demands for secure and unhindered navigation in the Red Sea. A presidential statement at the time described the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states as “an integral part of Egypt’s national security”.

Analysts note that Riyadh is seeking help to protect the kingdom and Red Sea shipping, and that Egypt, whose Suez Canal revenues depend on the same maritime traffic, is a natural partner. They add that Egypt aims to prevent Iran and its allies from gaining influence over the region, particularly the Red Sea lanes that are vital for the canal.

Saudi officials have accused Iran of encouraging the Houthi attacks, a charge that Tehran denies.