Egypt mulls joining Saudi Arabia in war against Houthis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi made the request at a military academy graduation on Saturday. Parliamentary authorization for armed support to Saudi Arabia in its war against the Houthis. We are not searching for a role in this, but it is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia its security or stability to be harmed. We stand strongly and in full support in order to protect the lands of our brothers in the Gulf and to protect them. It comes as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have increased in recent weeks, with the Iran-backed group carrying out strikes on Riyadh's international airport and the state oil giant Saudi Aramco. The intensifying hostilities have raised concerns around security in the Gulf and navigation through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, issues which would directly impact Egypt's interests. The mission of the Egyptian forces would be to support the defence of Saudi Arabia. Given the kingdom's vast territory and the numerous targets requiring protection, this may entail a significant number of arms, equipment and troops. Specific details will be determined later through coordination between the two sides via discussions between Egyptian and Saudi military authorities. The Egyptian constitution requires the approval of two-thirds of the House of Representatives members before the military can be deployed on foreign combat missions. The first parliamentary session on the issue was held on Sunday, while the second debate, which had been scheduled for Monday, was postponed to 26 October to allow for further deliberations.