Egypt's National Defense Council decided on 18/10 to provide "all possible forms of support" for Saudi Arabia to protect its security, stability, resources, territorial integrity, and Islamic holy sites, according to an announcement from the Egyptian Presidency.

This body holds the highest role in Egypt's defense policy formulation. It is chaired by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, with members including the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Egyptian tanks positioned near the Rafah crossing in the Gaza Strip on 9/9/2024. Photo: AFP

President Sisi previously called for an emergency session of the Egyptian parliament to discuss the right to deploy troops and military equipment abroad. This move aims to support Gulf allies if Saudi Arabia makes such a request. He affirmed that Egypt would act "according to the request" from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

The vote to authorize military deployment was scheduled for 18/10, but local media later reported that discussions were ongoing. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced continued discussions with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, regarding regional developments and efforts to de-escalate the situation.

If Egypt directly participates in the conflict, it could mark a significant escalation in the regional conflict. This conflict has severely disrupted global energy supplies and driven up oil prices since the US-Israel attack on Iran in late February.

Egyptian F-16 fighter jets prepare for takeoff from El Alamein International Airport. Photo: AFP

The Houthi armed group in Yemen has recently launched repeated attacks on major targets in Saudi Arabia. These targets include the international airport in the capital Riyadh and several facilities belonging to the national oil company Aramco.

Missile and drone strikes have repeatedly penetrated Saudi Arabia's air defense network, resulting in at least 19 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and affecting thousands of flights.

Fighting also threatens the strategic Bab el-Mandeb shipping lane at the entrance to the Red Sea, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement between the parties. Houthi forces currently control the capital Sanaa and most of northern Yemen, while Saudi Arabia supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government in the south.

Location of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Graphics: Guardian

Cairo and Riyadh are strategic partners with close economic ties. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations provided billions of USD in aid, credit, and investment to Egypt after former president Mohamed Morsi was deposed by the military in 2013.

Egypt is considered to have the largest military among Arab nations. It also participated in the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in the Yemeni civil war in 2015, but at that time played a limited role in combat operations.

Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, AP)