Riyadh, 18 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Saudi Arabia has announced the interception and destruction of four drones amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, while Egypt has expressed its willingness to help defend the kingdom if requested by its leadership. According to a spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition, the drones were intercepted over the Riyadh region, the Eastern Province and southern areas of the country. The developments come as Saudi Arabia continues to face repeated missile and drone attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis, who have targeted oil installations, tankers and transport hubs. The conflict intensified again in July following a prolonged period of relative calm. An attack on Riyadh’s airport last week reportedly killed 13 people, further raising security concerns across the kingdom. Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Cairo was prepared to take any necessary measures to protect Saudi Arabia if its leaders requested assistance. Sisi stressed that Egypt did not seek to become involved in regional wars but could not stand by if Saudi Arabia’s security and stability were threatened. He clarified that his remarks concerned defensive measures rather than launching attacks against any party. Although Egypt is part of the coalition opposing the Houthis, its involvement has largely focused on maritime security in the Red Sea rather than direct military operations in Yemen. Egypt and Saudi Arabia maintain historically close relations and strong strategic and economic ties. At Sisi’s request, the Egyptian parliament is scheduled to hold an emergency session on Sunday to discuss the regional situation. Meanwhile, repeated Houthi attacks have prompted several foreign embassies to warn their citizens against travelling to Saudi Arabia or using its airports. Saudi Arabia’s Education Ministry has also announced an extension of remote learning arrangements for students in Riyadh and the nearby city of Diriyah amid ongoing security concerns.