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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Wednesday that Egypt’s military backing for Saudi Arabia does not include launching attacks on Yemen, and that Cairo’s role is limited to defending the Kingdom’s territory and borders.
“The Egyptian military effort is intended to defend the Kingdom’s territory and does not include an attack on Yemen,” Sisi said.
He spoke during a session titled “Security of the Nation and Citizens” on the third day of the Egypt Forum 2026, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, ministers and senior officials attended.
Sisi said Egypt’s military role covers the territory and borders of Saudi Arabia, as well as those of any other Arab country that asks Cairo for help.
He added that Egyptian military efforts would not extend beyond Egypt’s own borders or those of a fellow Arab state whose security and stability Cairo seeks to protect.
The Egyptian leader described Arab national security as “indivisible,” saying the stability of Gulf states is closely tied to Egypt’s own national security.
He said Cairo’s support for Gulf countries reflects its commitment to collective Arab security.
The remarks come as Egypt discusses measures to support Saudi Arabia after escalating attacks on the Kingdom by the Houthis.
On Sunday, Egypt’s National Defense Council expressed solidarity with Riyadh and discussed steps to safeguard Egyptian national security amid regional tensions.
The Egyptian parliament then convened to consider measures related to the country’s response.
The developments follow intensified fighting in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition backs the internationally recognized government against the Houthis.
The Houthis have fired missiles and drones toward Saudi territory, while coalition forces have carried out military operations against Houthi positions in Yemen.
The conflict dates to 2014, when the Iran-aligned Houthi movement seized the capital, Sanaa. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in March 2015 in support of the government. Egypt was among the Arab states that backed that campaign at the time.
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