The key facts
- Egypt confirmed its military presence in Saudi Arabia 'mainly for defensive purposes' to protect sensitive sites, including the holy cities
- A defence agreement on training and exchange of expertise was signed with Syria; reports suggest possible preparation for dispatching Syrian troops, but Damascus denies deploying forces in Yemen
- The UK will send Typhoon fighters after the strike on King Khalid International Airport on 10 October; Greece maintains a Patriot battery in Yanbu
A web of alliances amid a growing threat
Since July, when the war in Yemen flared up with renewed intensity against the backdrop of a broader Middle East conflict, Saudi Arabia has been building a web of defence agreements and military deployments to protect its vast territory, energy facilities and airports from Houthi missile and drone attacks. According to The National's assessment, the kingdom is increasingly exposed to the escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran, which could once again spiral into a full-scale war.
Egypt: from diplomacy to partnership
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed this week that Egyptian forces are in Saudi Arabia at Riyadh's request and that Cairo is strengthening its presence. According to him, the mission is 'mainly for defensive purposes — protecting sensitive sites, including the holy places', referring to Mecca and Medina. Sources in Cairo reported that, along with personnel, armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft batteries, surface-to-surface missiles and Amoun air defence systems have been sent; the troop numbers and locations are not being disclosed. Last month, Egypt's parliament authorised President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to take the necessary measures to protect the kingdom at its request. Retired Egyptian general Samir Ragheb viewed the deployment as Egypt's transition 'from a cautious observer to an effective partner', noting that Houthi threats also affect shipping routes to the Suez Canal.
Syria and Sudan: agreements and unclear deployments
During Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's visit to the kingdom, Mohammed bin Salman and al-Sharaa signed a defence agreement covering, according to a Syrian diplomatic source, personnel training, exchange of expertise and military consultations. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani rejected reports about the deployment of Syrian troops in Yemen, saying there was no such plan 'in the near future'. At the same time, a source who had been in contact with senior Syrian military officials said the defence ministry had asked the commanders of five corps to nominate soldiers for an overseas mission with assignment to Saudi Arabia; this information was not confirmed by other sources. Retired Jordanian general Abdallah Hasanat believes Syria could provide thousands of service members, but they would have to be armed and equipped by Riyadh.
Western partners and Riyadh's position
In addition to regional allies, France has sent troops, radars and air defence systems to protect oil facilities, Greece maintains at least one Patriot battery in Yanbu, Italy has delivered radars and anti-missile batteries, and the US is providing air defence support. The UK announced it would provide RAF Typhoon fighters for defensive tasks after Houthi attacks on civilian targets, including Aramco facilities and the strike on King Khalid International Airport on 10 October. A source linked to Saudi government circles said Riyadh's requests concern primarily weapons and capabilities rather than foreign troops: in his view, additional forces on the kingdom's territory will not be needed. In August, Saudi Arabia also signed the Mecca Agreement on joint defence with Turkey and Pakistan, under which an attack on any of the three countries is considered an attack on all; the mechanism for its implementation is still being worked out.
