Egypt's parliament on Monday voted to let President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi send military help to Saudi Arabia to defend the kingdom against Iran-backed Houthi attacks, according to the Associated Press and Euronews. The chamber said the vote lets el-Sisi take steps to back Saudi territory and sovereignty against outside attack. No public breakdown of the closed-door vote was released.

The chamber is packed with pro-government lawmakers. The government did not spell out the form of help, which drew questions from lawmakers. A regional official briefed on the plan said Egypt would send air defense systems and aircraft to help stop missiles and drones aimed at Saudi Arabia.

The official said the help is defensive and would not include ground troops in Yemen. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not cleared to speak publicly. The vote had been delayed after two days of debate amid wariness among Egyptians about any return to Yemen's long war.

Houthi strikes on Saudi targets have grown in recent weeks. Saudi Arabia has asked partners for help defending energy and city sites. Cairo has long cast itself as a security partner for Gulf states.

The new vote keeps any deployment under presidential control if Riyadh asks for help. Details on timing, force size, and basing were not on the pages. Euronews framed the mandate as a response to stepped-up Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.

What we know: Egypt's parliament voted to let el-Sisi send military help to Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks, framed as a defensive step.
What we don't: Whether Riyadh has formally asked for forces, and what systems Egypt would send if asked.