Egyptian parliament backs military support for Saudi Arabia, reports say

Egypt’s parliament has authorised the military to help defend Saudi Arabia, according to parliamentarians cited by Reuters and reports in local media on Monday. The move could give Cairo a larger role in the conflict with Yemen’s Houthis, but authorisation does not mean Egyptian forces have been deployed.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sought parliament’s approval last week to provide help if Saudi Arabia requested it, Reuters reported. He said any Egyptian support would be limited to defending Saudi territory and borders, rather than attacking Yemen. It is unclear whether Riyadh has asked for help or what military support Egypt might provide.

The decision comes amid intensified fighting between the Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen’s internationally recognised government, and the Houthis, who control the capital, Sanaa. Reuters has reported Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport and Saudi Aramco facilities.

Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in an earlier phase of the war in 2015, mainly providing naval support, but played a limited combat role. The extent of any new involvement depends on what support is requested and how Cairo responds.