Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi said yesterday Egypt would take any measures necessary to defend Saudi Arabia if asked, amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom, and parliament announced an emergency session today.
“It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed,” Al Sisi said at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy. He said Egypt was not seeking to attack anyone, but was prepared to act in defence.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have in recent days attacked Riyadh’s international airport and the state oil giant Saudi Aramco, amid renewed fighting with the internationally recognised government following the collapse of a truce.
Al Sisi said Egypt would act in accordance with guidance from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who visited him on September 15, after fighting in Yemen reignited, to discuss issues including security and navigation in the Red Sea.
“I know this requires the approval of the Egyptian parliament, and I ask that an emergency session be held so that it can give us that authorisation if we are asked,” Al Sisi said.
Shortly after he spoke, the parliament said it would hold a plenary session at 1pm today in response to the request.
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