Egypt has publicly confirmed the deployment of its military forces to Saudi Arabia to help defend against ongoing Houthi missile and drone attacks, including threats to Islam’s holiest cities. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that Egyptian troops were dispatched at Riyadh’s request to safeguard “sensitive sites, including holy sites and others.”
Defensive Mission Against Houthi Strikes
Abdelatty revealed in an interview with France24 that Egyptian forces arrived “a few months ago” following increased hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels. While details of the troop presence were previously undisclosed, sources told The National that “hundreds” of Egyptian soldiers, along with armored vehicles, anti-aircraft batteries, and surface-to-surface missiles, are now positioned in the kingdom.
The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, have launched repeated strikes on Saudi infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities. Reports indicate that Egyptian air defense systems—including the advanced Skyguard AMOUN—have been stationed to counter these threats, particularly after several Houthi drones neared the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. While the group denies targeting religious sites, their close approaches have alarmed regional governments.
Parliamentary Approval and Regional Alliances
Egypt’s parliament granted President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi approval in late October to authorize the deployment, a move that Houthi leaders condemned as a “declaration of war.” The decision aligns with Egypt’s potential entry into the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a pact already signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—collectively known as the “Regional 4” or “R4” alliance.
Middle East Eye also reported that Egypt had quietly repositioned air defense assets and warships near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait before formalizing the troop deployment. These moves may have deterred Houthi attempts to disrupt shipping in the critical Red Sea passage.
G7 and Saudi Response
Abdelatty’s comments came during a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, where the group condemned Houthi aggression and called for Iran to halt its support for the rebels. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s military coalition announced intercepting multiple Houthi-launched missiles and drones this week, including three cruise missiles targeting Riyadh and drones aimed at Mecca.
The conflict continues to escalate, with humanitarian crises deepening in Yemen’s besieged cities. The G7 urged the Houthis to release detained UN personnel and allow aid into Taiz, highlighting broader regional instability fueled by the Saudi-Houthi war.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2026/11/11/egypt-helps-saudi-arabia-defend-sensitive-sites-against-houthi-attacks/