Egypt Confirms Military Deployment in Saudi Arabia to Safeguard Sensitive Sites

Egypt has officially confirmed the deployment of its military forces in Saudi Arabia, a move aimed at defending its ally against attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels, according to the country's Foreign Minister. This deployment follows a parliamentary vote last month, greenlighting troop presence in Saudi Arabia after President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's announcement on October 17 that Cairo was prepared to offer military assistance if requested. In an interview with France 24 aired Tuesday night, Mr. Abdelatty stated that Egyptian troops and weaponry are now on Saudi soil, marking the first official confirmation from Egypt. Saudi Arabia has not yet publicly commented on Egypt's offer or the subsequent troop movements.

The Egyptian minister elaborated that the military's deployment is primarily for defensive purposes, focusing on protecting sensitive locations, including significant religious sites. He was referring to Islam's holiest shrines in Makkah and Madinah. "We already have a military presence there (in Saudi Arabia) at the request of our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia to help; and we are strengthening that," he said. While the minister did not disclose the exact number of Egyptian soldiers or the specific types of weapons deployed, sources familiar with the matter indicated the presence of hundreds of troops, along with armored vehicles, anti-aircraft batteries, and surface-to-surface missiles. These anti-aircraft systems reportedly include the Amoun, a short-to-medium range air-defense system capable of intercepting low-flying missiles and drones.

One source described the mission as one for the Egyptian force to "defend Saudi Arabia and not attack the Houthis, but it’s also authorised to defend itself if attacked." Saudi Arabia, historically linked with Egypt, has recently faced repeated drone and missile attacks from the Houthis, targeting infrastructure such as airports, oil facilities, and military installations. Egypt, possessing the largest army in the region, has a history of providing military aid, though often on a smaller scale, to its Gulf allies. This assistance comes in the context of increased tensions following Iran's attacks on its Arab neighbors after conflict erupted between Iran and the US and Israel in February. The recent escalations in Saudi Arabia have occurred concurrently with renewed fighting in Yemen between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis. This intensification of conflict poses a threat to global oil supplies and risks triggering a wider regional conflict. The Saudi-led coalition initially intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015 at the request of the Yemeni government after the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country's north. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 had fostered a fragile peace, but the coalition resumed its military campaign last month to support the internationally recognized government and counter Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast towards the vital Bab Al Mandab strait.