Omanghana
Egypt’s parliament has authorised President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to deploy military forces in defense of Saudi Arabia as attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement intensify.
The mandate, approved by a two-thirds majority, allows the president to take “all necessary measures” to support the kingdom. It follows a request from Sisi for advance parliamentary clearance should Riyadh seek Egyptian military assistance.
Egyptian officials have described any potential deployment as defensive, with forces tasked with protecting Saudi borders, cities and infrastructure. The authorization does not amount to an announcement that troops have been deployed.
The decision reflects Cairo’s concerns about both regional security and its economic interests. Houthi maritime attacks and territorial advances threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital passage connecting shipping routes to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Disruption along this corridor poses risks to canal traffic and a major source of Egyptian revenue.
Saudi Arabia, a key financial and political partner of Egypt, has faced escalating drone and missile attacks targeting energy facilities, ports and civilian infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Despite approving potential military assistance, Cairo has remained outside the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed in August by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. The agreement commits its members to use “all necessary means” to address shared security threats.
Egypt nevertheless maintains diplomatic coordination with the three countries through the R4 grouping, providing a channel for consultations on regional stability without joining the defense treaty.
The parliamentary decision also comes amid wider international efforts to reinforce Saudi defenses. The United Kingdom has announced the deployment of Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to help protect Saudi cities against Houthi aerial attacks.
Within Egypt, the prospect of military involvement has drawn opposition. The Civil Democratic Movement rejected participation in a regional war, arguing that Cairo should concentrate on mediation and diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.
Diplomatic engagement is continuing alongside military preparations. Senior officials from the countries participating in the Mecca agreement are holding talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran in an effort to ease tensions.
Any Egyptian deployment would depend on a Saudi request, with Cairo presenting the parliamentary mandate as preparation to assist an ally while limiting its stated role to defense.
Source: Omanghana
