Egypt to provide ‘necessary’ support to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

What the report says

Egypt has said it is ready to provide Saudi Arabia with “all necessary and possible support” to help defend its security and stability as Houthi attacks on the kingdom continue, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency reported by Al Jazeera. The announcement came after a meeting of Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, which said Cairo stands fully with Saudi Arabia to protect its territorial integrity, resources and Islamic holy sites.

Al Jazeera reported that the presidency also said Egypt would step up diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. The comments were presented as part of Cairo’s response to renewed violence linked to Yemen’s conflict, where the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has been fighting Saudi-backed forces of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.

The article said the Houthis recently struck targets including Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco facilities after the collapse of a truce in Yemen. It also noted that el-Sisi said in a speech on Saturday that Egypt would act in line with guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As background, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have long maintained close political and security ties, and both countries have often coordinated on regional crises.