Egypt announces all kinds of support for Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks

Amid the continuing attacks of Yemen's Houthis, Egypt has said it will provide Saudi Arabia with all the support necessary to protect its security and safeguard its resources. The President's office said Cairo is ready to provide all necessary and possible support to protect Saudi Arabia's security and stability.

The National Defense Council, chaired by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said on Sunday that Egypt is fully beside Saudi Arabia in protecting Saudi Arabia's resources, territorial integrity and the holy places of Islam.

The President's office also said Cairo will intensify diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. That is, a message has been given that alongside military and security support, efforts will also continue to calm the situation politically.

The Iran-backed Houthis are also known as Ansar Allah, which means supporters of God. In recent days they have carried out attacks on Riyadh's international airport and the state-run oil giant Saudi Aramco. These attacks took place in the context of fighting starting afresh in Yemen, after the collapse of the ceasefire, between Saudi-backed forces loyal to the internationally recognized government.

In a speech on Saturday, Sisi said Egypt will work according to the direction of Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. After the fighting started again in Yemen, the Saudi Crown Prince visited Egypt last month.

Sisi has also called an emergency session of parliament held on Sunday, so that he may be given the power to approve any request from Saudi Arabia for defense support. That is, preparations are under way to move the matter of support forward through the constitutional process, rather than keeping it limited to an announcement alone.

At a meeting in Cairo with the Saudi Crown Prince last month, Sisi had supported the Saudi call for safe and unimpeded navigation in the Red Sea.

At that time, a statement from Egypt's President's office said the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries is an inseparable part of Egypt's national security. In this announcement, that position was restated with greater force.

According to analysts, Riyadh is looking for support to protect the kingdom and Red Sea shipping. Egypt is a natural partner in this field, because its Suez Canal income depends on the same navigation.

Analysts further believe Egypt is keen to prevent Iran and its allies from imposing control over this region, especially over navigation in the Red Sea. This position is important precisely because of its impact on the Suez Canal.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of encouraging the Houthi attacks against the kingdom. Tehran has denied this allegation. As a result, attacks and counter-tensions on the ground on one side, and the diplomatic tug-of-war of accusation and denial on the other, are going on together.

In this situation, Egypt's announcement is being seen as a sign of practical support for Saudi Arabia alongside political support. However, what the nature and extent of the support will be will depend on Riyadh's request and Cairo's parliamentary approval process. The call to intensify diplomatic efforts has also been made at the same time, so that tensions do not spread further.