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Egypt says it is ready to help defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks, but what that help would involve, and whether Egyptian forces will be sent, remains undecided.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi has asked parliament for permission to provide military assistance if Saudi Arabia requests it. Lawmakers were expected to vote Sunday, but discussions continued into Monday, Reuters reported.
For now, this is a promise of support, rather than confirmation that troops are on their way.
Egypt’s National Defence Council backed assistance for Saudi Arabia on Sunday. However, the presidency’s statement did not announce a deployment. It also called for more diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions.
The discussions come after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis stepped up attacks, targeting Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco. Fighting has resumed between the Houthis and forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government following the collapse of a truce.
El-Sissi has described Egypt’s possible role as defending its ally, with any assistance dependent on a request from Riyadh.
The two countries have close political and economic ties. Egypt also joined the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen in 2015, although it played a limited combat role.
The big unanswered question is what Cairo would actually offer. Lawmakers speaking to AFP said parliamentary discussions had not yet addressed the type of assistance.
For people in Cyprus, the concern is how a bigger conflict could affect journeys, deliveries and household bills.
More attacks on airports could complicate travel through Gulf hubs. Shipping companies facing greater risks could charge more to transport goods, while further threats to oil facilities could put pressure on fuel prices.
Those are possible knock-on effects, rather than confirmed new disruptions to Cyprus following Egypt’s announcement.
The next step is parliament’s decision. After that, attention turns to whether Saudi Arabia asks for help, and exactly what Egypt is prepared to send.
*Source: AP News
