Egypt authorises military assistance for Saudi Arabia against Houthi threats

Egypt's parliament has given the green light for military assistance to Saudi Arabia, responding to escalating security concerns from cross-border Houthi attacks. The decision reflects Cairo's commitment to supporting its Gulf neighbour while maintaining strict limitations on its own involvement.

The authorisation comes as Saudi Arabia contends with repeated strikes from the Iran-aligned Houthi movement based in Yemen. These attacks have targeted Saudi territory and strategic infrastructure, prompting Riyadh to seek enhanced military cooperation with regional partners.

Egyptian authorities have been explicit about the scope of their support, making clear that military aid does not extend to direct participation in combat operations or strikes into Yemeni territory. This distinction underscores Cairo's desire to balance its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia against concerns about further entanglement in Yemen's ongoing conflict.

The move positions Egypt as a key security partner for the Gulf kingdom while reflecting broader regional realignments as tensions persist between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed forces across the Arabian Peninsula.