Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said Egypt is ready to defend Saudi Arabia if requested, amid fighting between the kingdom and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Since Yemen's war reignited in July, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi targets, including energy facilities and Riyadh's international airport, where 13 people were killed in a single attack last week. The Houthis have also blockaded the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while Iran presses its own blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian military academy, Sisi said Egypt was not looking for a role to play in regional conflicts but added that it was inconceivable for Cairo to stand by while Saudi Arabia was harmed or its security and stability threatened.
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
