Egypt’s Parliament Authorizes Military Support for Saudi Arabia’s Defense
CAIRO, October 27 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Egypt’s parliament has authorized President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take all necessary measures to help defend Saudi Arabia, opening the way for military support as the Kingdom faces escalating Houthi attacks.
At least two-thirds of lawmakers backed the measure during a closed session on Monday, according to an official parliamentary statement.
Taher al-Khouly, deputy head of parliament’s legislative committee, told Reuters that Egyptian forces would be sent in coordination with Saudi Arabia and at its request.
Egyptian officials have defined the proposed role as defensive. Sisi said support would be limited to protecting Saudi territory and borders, while Senate Speaker Essam Farid said it would also cover sovereignty and holy sites and would not extend to attacking Yemen.
The decision carries particular significance for Egypt because fighting near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait threatens the southern entrance to the Red Sea and access to the Suez Canal.
Several opposition groups challenged the proposed involvement. The Civil Democratic Movement rejected participation in a regional war and called for mediation. The Egyptian Social Democratic Party said its lawmakers would abstain, citing insufficient information about the mission’s objectives, duration and cost while reaffirming support for Saudi Arabia.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has urged continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the Yemen conflict. His comments followed a visit to Riyadh with intelligence chief Hassan Rashad to deliver a message from Sisi to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in March 2015, mainly providing naval support to protect Red Sea shipping lanes. It also deployed around 800 ground troops, with a limited combat role.
Saudi Arabia remains a major political and financial partner of Egypt, providing aid, central bank deposits and energy supplies.
Source: Reuters.
