Egypt Approves Defence Aid to Saudi Arabia

EGYPT · BREAKING

Published Monday, 26 October, 12:39 p.m. ET · Source: Egyptian House of Representatives, Egyptian presidency, Saudi Arabia

Egypt’s parliament has given President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the power to send defensive military help to Saudi Arabia, after months of missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saudi cities. The House of Representatives approved the mandate on Monday, in a closed session, by a two-thirds majority, the level the constitution demands for any use of the army abroad.

The decision is a green light and not a deployment order. Egyptian forces would move only if Saudi Arabia asks and the president then decides, and officials describe the mission as purely defensive.

What the Mandate Allows

The wording covers support for Saudi Arabia against outside attack and the protection of its territory and its Islamic holy sites. A regional official briefed on the plan said Egypt would offer air-defence systems and aircraft to help shoot down missiles and drones, but no Egyptian ground troops in Yemen.

President Sisi has said the mission does not include an attack on Yemen.No numbers have been made public.We do not know how many aircraft, air-defence batteries or soldiers could be involved, where they would be based, or for how long.

Why Saudi Arabia Needs Help

The Houthis, an armed group in Yemen backed by Iran, have been firing missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia. The attacks have targeted Riyadh, its airport and facilities of the oil company Aramco, and Saudi authorities say missiles aimed at the Mecca and Medina regions were intercepted on 24 October.

The Houthis deny targeting the holy cities and say they hit only military and oil sites.Reports of attacks near Islam’s two holiest cities caused anger across the Muslim world, and Al-Azhar’s Grand Imam, Ahmed al-Tayeb, condemned the attacks, saying they offend nearly two billion Muslims.President Sisi asked parliament for the mandate on 17 October, and the National Defense Council he chairs pledged full support the next day.

Who Opposed It

The pro-government bloc has a comfortable majority, but the debate showed rare public cracks. The Egyptian Social Democratic Party’s 11-member bloc abstained, citing too little information on the goals, scope, duration, cost and risks to troops.

Some lawmakers reportedly objected, warning that a wider regional explosion would serve Israel. Egypt also has history here: it reportedly sent about 800 ground troops to Yemen in 2015.

Why Egypt Cares

Egypt’s economy depends on the Suez Canal, which is reached through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow gate at the southern end of the Red Sea that the Houthis can threaten. Saudi Arabia is also a major source of investment and aid for Cairo, so a clear show of support protects both interests.

What It Means for US Readers

A larger Arab role in Saudi Arabia’s defence could lower the load on US forces in the region, but it also raises the risk of a wider war involving Iran and Israel. Shipping and oil prices stay sensitive to any new attack near the Red Sea.

What We Do Not Know

We do not know the exact vote count, whether Saudi Arabia has asked for help, or when any Egyptian aircraft or air-defence units could arrive. We will update this story when Cairo or Riyadh gives details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Egypt sending troops to Saudi Arabia?

Not yet. Parliament approved a mandate for defensive support, but Egypt acts only if Saudi Arabia asks and the president decides. A regional official said ground troops in Yemen are excluded.

Who are the Houthis?

They are an armed group that controls much of Yemen and is backed by Iran. They have fired missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia.

Why did some Egyptian lawmakers object?

The Egyptian Social Democratic Party’s bloc abstained, citing unclear goals, duration and cost, and some lawmakers warned against being pulled into a regional war.

Sources: Egyptian House of Representatives · Egyptian presidency and National Defense Council · Saudi Arabia · Al-Azhar · regional officials.

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This article was drafted with automated assistance and reviewed before publication. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief