Egypt Approves Troop Deployment to Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Houthi Conflict

Egypt has officially approved the deployment of military forces to Saudi Arabia to support the kingdom's defensive operations against the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, according to officials. The decision comes as cross-border strikes between Saudi forces and the Houthis have intensified, raising concerns about regional stability and the security of vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea. The Egyptian contingent will be limited to defensive roles, officials emphasized, signaling Cairo's cautious approach to a conflict that has drawn in multiple regional powers. The move deepens Egypt's military cooperation with Riyadh, a key financial backer, while avoiding direct offensive engagement in Yemen's protracted civil war. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition since 2015 against the Houthis, who control the Yemeni capital Sanaa and have launched repeated missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory. Egypt's involvement highlights the growing alignment between Cairo and Riyadh on security issues, particularly as both view Iran's regional influence as a threat. The deployment also comes amid international criticism of the humanitarian toll in Yemen, where the conflict has caused what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Egyptian officials have not disclosed the size or timing of the force, but the decision marks a notable escalation in external military support for the Saudi-led coalition. As the conflict enters its tenth year, the addition of Egyptian forces could bolster Saudi defenses but also risks further entangling Cairo in a complex regional proxy war. Observers will be watching whether this move stabilizes the border or fuels further escalation with Iran-aligned forces.