Egypt’s Sissi signals readiness to defend Saudi Arabia if asked

Sissi calls for defense authorization

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian military academy on Saturday, Sissi said Egypt was prepared to take measures to protect Saudi Arabia if asked. He referred to directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Sissi said Egypt was not seeking a role in regional conflicts, but regarded harm to Saudi security or stability as unacceptable. He said any action would be defensive, not an attack on another party.

The president said Egyptian parliamentary approval was necessary and requested an emergency session to grant authorization if Saudi Arabia asked for help. A session was expected on Sunday to consider possible assistance.

Houthi attacks raise tensions

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have increased attacks on Saudi targets, including energy facilities and Riyadh’s main airport. The group has also repeatedly targeted King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital.

The Houthis have been in conflict with Saudi Arabia since the kingdom entered Yemen’s civil war in 2015, leading a military coalition against them. A Houthi attack a week ago killed 13 people, the deadliest such attack in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.

Ties and shipping concerns

Egypt and Saudi Arabia have strong strategic and economic ties. Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in 2015 to support Yemen’s government against the Houthis. Houthi attacks have disrupted Red Sea shipping, affecting revenue from traffic through the Suez Canal.