Yemen’s Houthi movement has warned that Egypt’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia amounts to a declaration of war, raising concerns about further escalation in the Middle East.
The warning came on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after Egypt’s parliament approved military assistance to help Saudi Arabia defend against Houthi attacks.
Houthis Warn Egypt Against Supporting Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Ali Al Houthi, a senior member of the Houthi political bureau, strongly criticized Egypt’s decision.
In a statement published on Telegram, he claimed that Cairo’s support for Saudi Arabia effectively placed Egypt in a state of war with Yemen.
The warning followed growing military tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Egyptian Parliament Approves Military Assistance
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi requested parliamentary authorization last week to support Saudi Arabia if Riyadh formally sought military assistance.
Lawmakers subsequently approved the proposal, allowing Egyptian forces to help defend the Gulf kingdom against potential attacks.
However, Egypt has not publicly announced direct military involvement in the conflict.
Why Is the Bab El Mandeb Strait Important?
The security situation also threatens the Bab El Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with international shipping routes.
The waterway provides access to Egypt’s Suez Canal, making its security important for global trade.
Any disruption could affect commercial shipping and regional economic stability.
Egypt has repeatedly condemned attacks by Iran and Iranian-backed groups against Gulf countries.
However, Cairo has not joined the mutual defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey in August 2026.
The latest confrontation increases diplomatic pressure as regional governments attempt to prevent further military escalation.
