Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi called on the Houthi rebels to back away from the ongoing war with the Yemeni state in order to “preserve the unity of their country”.
In a recorded speech that he gave to the military and police officials during the 16th educational seminar on Tuesday, El-Sisi refrained from mentioning the Houthi rebels by name but said the aggressors should withdraw “for the sake of their nation’s national security”.
Egypt is taking part in a Saudi-led coalition that is trying to repel the Houthis, who have taken control of many strategic cities in the country, including the capital Sanaa.
Reports said on Monday that Egyptian warships had shelled a column of Houthi fighters and troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh as they tried to advance on the southern port city of Aden. Egypt revealed last week that its navy and air forces were participating in the military operation in Yemen.
“The army and all the relevant parties in Yemen should live up to their responsibilities to protect their country,” El-Sisi added.
El-Sisi also said Egypt had to heed calls for a joint Arab force in Yemen, insisting that the country would never dither on any step to support Gulf states.
Saudi King Salman said on Monday the country is open to a meeting of all Yemeni political parties “who are willing to preserve Yemen’s security and stability”.