Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has requested parliamentary approval to provide military support to Saudi Arabia, which has been targeted by Iranian-backed Houthis.
What happened
The Egyptian presidency stated that the country will provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary support to defend its security and stability. This decision followed a meeting of the National Defense Council, chaired by El-Sisi.
A parliamentary vote to authorize military aid was initially scheduled for this week but has been postponed until October 26. Egyptian lawmaker Mostafa Bakry stated that the parliament is discussing the president's decision to send military forces to Saudi Arabia on a defensive mission.
The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalated last month, with the Houthis capturing the port of Mokha on the Red Sea. Saudi-led coalition forces, backed by Yemen's internationally recognized government, launched a counter-offensive and regained control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthis responded by targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, killing at least 13 people and injuring over 300 others. The Egyptian Foreign Minister has discussed regional developments and the importance of de-escalation with his Saudi and Iranian counterparts.
