Egypt has pledged to support Saudi Arabia in defending itself against escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, as growing regional tensions raise concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Egypt’s National Defence Council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, announced on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that Cairo would provide all necessary and possible forms of support to help protect Saudi Arabia’s security, stability, resources and territorial integrity.
The announcement followed renewed Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory, including critical infrastructure. However, Egyptian officials did not specify what form the promised assistance would take or confirm that Egyptian troops had been deployed.
Egypt Considers Military Assistance
The Egyptian government’s announcement came as President el-Sissi sought parliamentary authorisation to allow the country’s military to provide assistance to Saudi Arabia if requested.
Speaking at a military academy graduation ceremony on Saturday, el-Sissi said Egypt would take the necessary measures to defend the kingdom if its assistance was required.
The National Defence Council also emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s security was closely connected to Egypt’s national security and broader Arab stability.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain longstanding strategic and economic ties. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have provided Egypt with substantial financial assistance and investment over the years, strengthening relations between the two countries.
Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government against the Houthis, although its direct combat role was limited.
Houthi Attacks Raise Security Concerns
The Egyptian pledge comes amid an escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia.
The rebels have reportedly targeted Riyadh’s international airport and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state-owned oil company. The attacks have increased concerns about the security of Saudi infrastructure and the potential consequences for regional energy supplies.
According to reports, the wider escalation has caused casualties, disrupted thousands of flights and unsettled global markets.
The conflict has also intensified pressure on Saudi Arabia to seek assistance from regional partners as it responds to the continuing missile and drone threats.
Violence Spreads Across Yemen
The renewed fighting has also taken a heavy toll on civilians in Yemen.
On Sunday, an airstrike in the Houthi-controlled northern province of Saada killed at least nine people, including five children and two women, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry. The ministry reported that 19 others were injured.
Houthi officials blamed Saudi Arabia for the strike, but the kingdom had not immediately commented on the allegation. The Associated Press said it could not independently verify claims made by the opposing sides about attacks and casualties.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s internationally recognised government has faced renewed security challenges, with attacks reported in Aden, its interim capital.
Egypt Calls for Regional De-escalation
Despite pledging support for Saudi Arabia, Egypt has also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
The National Defence Council said Cairo would continue coordinating with regional and international partners to reduce tensions and pursue political solutions to the ongoing crises.
Egypt’s leading Islamic institution, Al-Azhar, has separately called for urgent mediation to help address conflicts across the Arab region.
Whether Egypt’s pledge will lead to direct military assistance remains unclear. The next steps are likely to depend on Saudi Arabia’s requests, parliamentary authorisation and developments on the ground.
As attacks continue, cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia could become increasingly important to regional security, while diplomatic efforts face growing pressure to prevent the conflict from widening.
Swifteradio.com
