President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has put Egypt on a war footing, vowing to take “any measure” necessary to protect Saudi Arabia from escalating Houthi missile and drone strikes.
The pledge lands as regional tensions spike, threatening to drag North Africa into the Middle East’s most volatile conflict. It’s a stark shift from Cairo’s previous diplomatic neutrality.
Emergency Session Set
Egyptian parliament is convening on Sunday for an emergency session. The agenda is singular: granting el-Sisi the legal authority to deploy military assets if Riyadh formally requests aid. This isn’t a symbolic gesture. It’s a green light for boots on the ground or jets in the sky, should the situation deteriorate further. The timing is deliberate, forcing a rapid legislative response to a fast-moving military crisis.
Defensive Posture
While the rhetoric is hardline, the administration insists this is purely defensive. “We do not want war,” a senior official told Al Jazeera, emphasizing that Egypt’s actions are reactive, not provocative. The goal is to deter further Houthi aggression without triggering a broader regional conflagration. However, the line between defense and escalation is razor-thin in the current climate.
Regional Ripples
This move signals a unified front among Gulf and North African powers. It complicates the Houthis’ strategy of projecting power across the Red Sea. Expect increased naval patrols and air defense coordination in the coming days. The region is holding its breath, waiting to see if Riyadh makes the call that would activate Cairo’s military machinery.
Source: Al Jazeera
This article was compiled by the IndiaBBCNews editorial system from verified international news sources. Facts have been independently reviewed. Original reporting: Al Jazeera.
