Egypt approves military support for Saudi Arabia against the Houthis

Egypt’s parliament on Monday approved military support for Saudi Arabia to help it respond to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The House of Representatives approved President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s request for authority to take “the necessary measures” to support Riyadh. The decision could lead to a more direct Egyptian role in regional tensions, as attacks in the Red Sea and near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have heightened concern among countries in the region. Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015, primarily in a naval role, while also deploying about 800 troops.