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Egypt backs Saudi defence as parliament weighs military mandate
Egypt's National Defence Council pledged support for Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks on Riyadh's airport and oil facilities. President Sisi sought authority to provide defensive assistance if requested. Parliamentary discussions were due to continue on Monday. The council called for diplomacy and did not specify a troop deployment.
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From 19 October 2026 — Daily Brief
19 OCT 2026 · 21/25
Egypt’s National Defence Council pledged support for Saudi Arabia on Sunday, 18 October, as Houthi attacks on the kingdom raised the prospect of a wider regional military response.
The council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said Egypt would provide the assistance needed to protect Saudi security, territory, resources and Islamic holy sites. It also called for stronger diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Sisi had requested parliamentary authority to help defend Saudi Arabia if the kingdom sought Egyptian assistance. Discussions that were expected to produce a vote on Sunday were due to continue on Monday, Reuters reported, citing lawmakers and local media.
The announcement followed attacks on Riyadh’s international airport and facilities belonging to the state oil company Saudi Aramco. Fighting between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government has intensified since a truce collapsed.
In a speech on Saturday, Sisi described any Egyptian role as defensive and said Cairo would coordinate with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia are close strategic and economic partners. Cairo joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015, although its combat role was limited. Sunday’s council statement did not specify a troop deployment.