Egypt Will Not Strike Yemen Even If It Sends Troops to Defend Saudi Arabia: President

Egypt will not launch direct military attacks on neighbouring Yemen, even if it plays a role in defending Saudi Arabia. Any Egyptian military presence will be limited to protecting Saudi territory and borders.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi made the position clear in a statement issued on Wednesday by a spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency.

The statement said Egypt was also prepared to defend other allied Arab countries if they sought Cairo’s assistance in maintaining their security and stability. However, any defensive action by the Egyptian armed forces would remain strictly within the boundaries of Egypt or the territory of the Arab state requesting assistance. Egyptian forces would not cross those borders to take part in offensive military operations.

President Sisi noted that protecting the security and sovereignty of Arab countries in the Gulf region was an integral part of Egypt’s own national security.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian parliament has postponed a scheduled vote on approving military assistance to Saudi Arabia and the deployment of troops. The vote, originally scheduled for last Monday, has been deferred until October 26.

Source: Al Jazeera