Egypt’s parliament has authorized President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to deploy troops to assist Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Yemen’s Houthi forces.
In a vote held on Monday, lawmakers allowed Sisi to take “all necessary measures” in support of their Gulf ally, as reported by Reuters. The decision received backing from at least two-thirds of the chamber during a closed session, and no public tally was released.
Interestingly, Riyadh has not officially requested any troops, according to Reuters. The authorization did not explicitly outline what kind of support would be given. It was emphasized by Taher al-Khouly, the deputy head of parliament’s legislative committee, that Egyptian forces would only be deployed at the request of Saudi Arabia and in coordination with them.
Sisi informed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a letter that Egypt’s involvement would focus on protecting Saudi territory and borders without encroaching on Yemen, according to Reuters. Senate Speaker Essam Farid later described the support as “purely defensive,” framing Egypt’s role as a protective shield for its allies rather than as an aggressor.
The vote was influenced by escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly following an Oct. 10 assault on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, which resulted in 12 fatalities and over 300 injuries, as per the reports from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). The Saudi-led coalition has reported a total of 19 deaths and 364 injuries at various Saudi airports since early October. Additionally, Houthi forces have targeted Saudi Aramco oil facilities, impacting oil exports.
Meanwhile, the Civil Democratic Movement, an opposition group, expressed opposition to Egypt’s involvement in what they see as a regional conflict, urging Cairo to confine its actions to mediation. The Egyptian Social Democratic Party ordered its members to abstain from voting, citing insufficient details regarding the mission’s objectives, duration, and costs.
For the vote to pass, a two-thirds majority was necessary in the 596-seat House, which might be achievable by Sisi’s allies alone, according to The National.
It’s worth noting that Egypt has not been a part of the mutual defense pact established by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey back in August.
Cairo previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in 2015, primarily contributing naval support and participating in a limited combat role. Saudi Arabia is one of Egypt’s key financial supporters, providing billions in aid, deposits, and energy under Sisi’s administration.
