Egypt parliament meets on defensive aid to Saudi Arabia as Yemen conflict widens
Egypt's parliament is convening on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi requested an emergency session to approve defensive military aid to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh asks for help in its war with Yemen's Houthis. In a speech on Saturday, October 17, el-Sisi said Egypt will "carry out any measure to protect" Saudi Arabia and that he hopes parliament will give him authorisation to proceed. Al Jazeera
On October 18, Egypt's National Defence Council, chaired by el-Sisi, said Egypt would provide "all necessary and possible support to Saudi Arabia to defend its safety and stability" and stands fully with Saudi Arabia to defend its resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites. El-Sisi said in September 2026 that Saudi security is "integral" to Egypt's security.
Analysts cited in the reporting say any Egyptian move to assist Saudi Arabia would remain "strictly defensive" as the conflict in Yemen intensifies. One analyst, Hudisteanu, said counter-drone and anti-missile support was the most likely form of assistance Cairo could provide to help reinforce Saudi Arabia.
The parliamentary session coincides with heavy fighting. Two air raids by the Saudi-led coalition hit Hodeidah in southwest Yemen on October 18. The coalition said it intercepted and destroyed four drones over Riyadh, Eastern Province and southern Saudi Arabia, according to reporting on October 17. Al Jazeera
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has come under attack at least 20 times since fighting flared. An Egyptian resident was killed and others were injured in the attacks on the airport. In a separate attack on October 11, one person was killed and nearly a dozen were hurt at Riyadh's international airport. Reuters
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, Arabic for Supporters of God, have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia targeting airports and oil facilities since the conflict reignited. Missiles hit Aden airport while the Saudi-led coalition intercepted a missile headed for Yanbu. Saudi-backed forces are fighting the Houthis on several fronts, including Taiz and Marib. The coalition said the Houthis have targeted dozens of key Saudi sites and facilities.
Yemen's presidential council has announced military operations to retake territory, part of a government offensive to seize areas held by the Houthis. Saudi Arabia's Cabinet stated that the Houthi militia will bear the consequences of its crimes and recurrent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. Foreign ministers meeting in consultation strongly condemned all attacks against Saudi Arabia, including recent Houthi attacks.
The fallout extends beyond the battlefield. Egypt's foreign minister says the Suez Canal, the waterway linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas, has lost about $11 billion since Houthi attacks began in 2023. Turkiye and Pakistan have made their own pledges to Saudi Arabia after activating the Mecca defence pact signed in August 2026. The United Arab Emirates agreed to re-enter the Yemen conflict by resuming payments to some government forces fighting the Houthis. The Guardian
