Cairo extends military presence in Aqaba Gulf and Red Sea

The Egyptian government extended by six months the deployment of "some elements of the armed forces" outside Egypt's borders to defend national and Arab security in the Gulf, Red Sea and the Strait of Mandeb. Egypt is part of a Saudi-led coalition that has been targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. Egypt authorized a 40-day mandate on March 26, and extended it for three months in May 3 before extending it again on Saturday following the national defense council's approval.