Egypt moves toward sending troops to Saudi Arabia to help defend against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis

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1. 1h ago

   Egypt Weighs Troop Deployment to Defend Saudi Arabia Against Houthis

   Egypt is moving toward sending troops to Saudi Arabia to assist in defending the kingdom against missile and drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthis. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sought parliamentary approval for air defense and logistical support, prompting an emergency session in the Egyptian parliament. While Sisi stated that the defensive role would not include a direct military attack on Yemen, some Egyptian political parties and lawmakers are pushing back against the proposal. Critics warn that the deployment could drag the country into an expanding regional conflict with steep military and economic costs.

   Why it matters

   The debate touches on deep historical sensitivities, as Yemen's rebels have invoked Cairo's disastrous military campaign in Yemen during the 1960s. Red Sea tensions also threaten crucial Suez Canal revenues, complicating Egypt's strategic calculations. The potential deployment aligns Egypt with broader regional efforts alongside nations like Pakistan and Turkey to protect Saudi territory.

   What is confirmed

   • President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi requested parliamentary approval to send troops for air defense and logistical support to protect Saudi Arabia from Houthi missiles and drones.
   • Some Egyptian political parties and lawmakers are objecting to the request, warning of military and economic costs and a pull into an expanding regional war.
   • President al-Sisi stated that Egypt's defense role for Saudi Arabia would not include an attack on Yemen.
   • A vote in the Egyptian parliament regarding the military support was delayed until October 26.

   Still unconfirmed

   • An expert suggests Egypt is unlikely to join a pact with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the delayed Egyptian parliamentary vote on military support for Saudi Arabia.
   • Any formal deployment of Egyptian air defense or logistical troops to Saudi territory.
   Sources used for this update (27)

   1. en.wikipedia.org — Egypt - Wikipedia
   2. www.worldatlas.com — Egypt Maps & Facts - World Atlas
   3. Business Insider Africa — A powerful African military considers joining Pakistan and Turkey in defending Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed Houthi attacks
   4. Politico — Egypt agrees to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against Houthis
   5. Al Jazeera — What help can Egypt offer Saudi Arabia in the war against the Houthis?
   6. Reuters — Explainer: What's behind Egypt's move towards possible military involvement in Saudi-Yemen conflict?
   7. www.ynetnews.com — Egypt weighs sending troops to defend Saudi Arabia as Houthis warn of another Yemen d - ynetglobal
   8. Ynetnews — Egypt's Vietnam: the disaster behind the Houthis' warning
   9. Reuters — Egypt delays vote on military support for Saudi Arabia until October 26
   10. CBS News — Egypt moves toward sending troops to Saudi Arabia to help defend against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis
   11. Middle East Eye — Yemen war: Why Egypt's vow to defend Saudi Arabia is a risky gamble
   12. الحرة — Egyptian Lawmakers Push Back on Sisi’s Request to Send Troops to Saudi Arabia
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