Cairo says Egyptian, Saudi national security ‘interconnected, inseparable’ after Houthi attacks

Egypt on Tuesday affirmed its “full solidarity and complete support” for Saudi Arabia against any threat, saying the national security of the two countries is “interconnected and inseparable.”

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement came after Houthi drone and missile strikes on Saudi territory injured at least 13 civilians.

“The attacks constitute a clear violation of the rules and provisions of international law and a blatant threat to regional stability and security,” the ministry said.

It renewed Egypt’s “categorical rejection” of the Houthi attacks, warning that their continuation would fuel tensions and increase escalation in the region.

“The national security of Egypt and Saudi Arabia is interconnected, integrated and inseparable,” it stressed.

Earlier Tuesday, Turki al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government, said Tuesday that 13 civilians were injured in Houthi attacks targeting Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif in the country’s southwest.

In recent days, the Houthis extended their control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including Mayyun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

​​​​​​​Yemen has been gripped by war since the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and several provinces in September 2014, prompting a Saudi-led Arab coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of the internationally recognized Yemeni government.