Why is Egypt so wary of getting involved in Yemen’s conflict?
Summary
Egypt is considering whether to send forces to help defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks, but officials say any role would be defensive and not target the Houthis. Cairo is wary of becoming drawn into Yemen’s conflict, partly because Egypt suffered heavy losses in its 1960s intervention and wants to avoid broader regional entanglements.Key Facts
- Egypt sent thousands of troops to Yemen in 1962 to support republican forces against royalists.
- Egyptian forces withdrew after heavy losses and Egypt’s defeat in the 1967 war with Israel.
- President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said a possible deployment would focus on defending Saudi Arabia, not attacking Yemen’s Houthis.
- Egypt’s foreign minister called for a political solution to the Yemen conflict.
- Saudi Arabia has faced Houthi missile and drone attacks, including a strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that killed 13 people, one of them Egyptian.
- Egypt’s National Defence Council said on October 18 that Egypt was ready to provide necessary and possible support to Saudi Arabia.
- An Egyptian combat deployment abroad requires parliamentary approval, and a vote was scheduled for Monday after a one-week delay.
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