Sisi rules out Egyptian attacks on Yemen, pledges to defend Saudi Arabia
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Cairo would help defend Saudi territory and borders but would not launch attacks on Yemen.
- Sisi said Egypt could also defend other Arab states if requested, with its military role limited to protecting their territory and security.
- Egypt’s parliament postponed a vote on authorizing military support for Saudi Arabia until Oct. 26.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Wednesday that Cairo would defend Saudi Arabia against attacks but would not participate in military operations against Yemen, according to the Egyptian presidency.
Sisi added that Egypt could also protect other Arab countries if requested, provided its military role remained limited to defending their territory and security.
His remarks came as Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, delivering a message from Sisi to King Salman reaffirming Egypt’s support for the kingdom.
Egypt’s parliament has postponed a vote on authorizing military assistance to Saudi Arabia if requested, lawmakers said.
The move comes amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including multiple airport attacks. Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015, although its combat role was limited.
