Egypt seeks parliamentary approval to support Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has asked parliament to authorise military support for Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requests it, as Houthi attacks on Saudi targets intensify. Reuters reports that a vote expected on Sunday was postponed until Monday; Egypt’s presidency said Cairo would provide all necessary and possible support, while also calling for de-escalation.
Bottom line — Parliament’s decision will determine whether Egypt can turn its pledge of support into a military deployment.
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Reuters reports that the Houthis have attacked Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco in recent days.
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The Houthis’ advances threaten the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, Reuters says.
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Al Jazeera reports that Egypt’s National Defence Council also called for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
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Reuters says Egypt joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015 but played a limited combat role.
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Reuters reports that Washington declined Riyadh’s request for US strikes on the Houthis, offering targeting assistance and intelligence-sharing instead.