Egypt Backs Saudi Arabia’s Defense but Draws the Line at Yemen Attacks

CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said Wednesday that any military support Egypt provides to Saudi Arabia would be limited to defending the kingdom’s territory and borders and would not include attacks on Yemen, as Iran-aligned Houthi rebels intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The statement comes amid escalating tensions across the Middle East, raising concerns about regional security and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

El-Sissi said Egypt could also help defend the territory of other Arab countries if requested, but any military involvement would be restricted to protecting their territory and security rather than launching offensive operations against neighboring states.

His remarks came as Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia’s state-run news agency, SPA, reported that Abdelatty delivered a written message from el-Sissi to King Salman. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and developments across the region.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said the message reaffirmed Cairo’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its commitment to supporting the kingdom’s security and stability.

Egypt’s parliament on Monday postponed until Oct. 26 a vote on authorizing the armed forces to support Saudi Arabia if requested, lawmakers said.

The prospect of direct Egyptian military support for the kingdom could mark a significant escalation in the wider regional conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The conflict has threatened energy supplies and driven oil prices higher since U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran began in February.

The fighting in Yemen has also intensified in recent weeks, opening another potential front in the broader confrontation. The Saudi-led coalition supports Yemen’s internationally recognized government against the Houthis, who control the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s north.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt are close strategic and economic partners, with extensive military, diplomatic and commercial ties.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, provided Egypt with billions of dollars in financial assistance, central bank deposits and investments after the Egyptian military ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. El-Sissi, who led the military at the time, became president the following year.

Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognized government against the Houthis. However, Egyptian forces played a limited combat role in the conflict.

The latest statements suggest Cairo is seeking to reassure Riyadh of its support while drawing a distinction between defending Saudi territory and participating in offensive military operations inside Yemen.

Egypt’s position comes as regional governments face growing pressure to respond to attacks and shifting military alliances while avoiding further escalation in a conflict that has already raised concerns over energy security and stability across the Middle East.

GAROWE ONLINE