Egypt pledges military backing for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes

Egypt has formally committed to offering military assistance to Saudi Arabia in response to escalating Houthi attacks targeting critical infrastructure in the Gulf kingdom. The pledge came after President al-Sisi called together the National Defence Council to assess options for supporting Riyadh's security and stability.

Recent Houthi operations have struck strategically significant facilities, including Riyadh's international airport and installations operated by Saudi Aramco, the state-owned energy giant. The strikes have raised regional security concerns and prompted calls for coordinated responses among Gulf-aligned nations.

Egypt's decision to enhance military cooperation with Saudi Arabia reflects broader regional dynamics, particularly Cairo's strategic interests in maintaining stability across the Arabian Peninsula. Egyptian forces have previously engaged in operations supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, though the extent of Cairo's involvement has remained limited compared to other regional actors.

The announcement underscores the interconnected security challenges facing Middle Eastern nations and the reliance on multilateral defence partnerships to counter non-state armed groups. Saudi Arabia has faced persistent threats from Houthi forces, designated as a terrorist organization by several Western nations, which have conducted numerous cross-border operations over recent years.