Sisi directs Egyptian military to maintain highest level of combat readiness

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Monday instructed the country’s armed forces to maintain the highest levels of combat readiness and preparedness amid what he described as unprecedented regional challenges and shifts.

Sisi issued the directive while chairing a meeting of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces at the Strategic Command headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, coinciding with events marking the 53^rd anniversary of the October 1973 war.

During the meeting, Sisi congratulated members of the armed forces on the anniversary and stressed the importance of maintaining combat readiness to enable the military to defend the country, safeguard its assets and protect national security amid rapidly evolving regional developments.

The meeting reviewed recent regional and international developments and their implications for Egyptian national security. It also addressed the military’s role in protecting the country’s borders, maintaining security and stability and safeguarding national assets.

The directives come amid multiple regional crises, including the war in Gaza and related tensions, instability in the Red Sea, the conflict in Sudan, developments in the Horn of Africa and broader tensions affecting regional security and maritime routes.

Egyptian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher delivered a speech outlining the armed forces’ efforts in carrying out their missions, while the head of the Armed Forces Operations Authority presented the main elements of future conscription policy.

In remarks marking the October anniversary, Sisi said the 1973 war demonstrated the importance of sustained preparation and linked what he called the “Spirit of October” to ongoing efforts to build the state and address current challenges.

The Egyptian president also warned that challenges to the country’s stability persisted, referring to what he described as “plots aimed at undermining Egypt’s stability.”

Sisi stressed the strength of state institutions and domestic cohesion, saying Egypt remained capable of protecting its national security, maintaining stability and safeguarding the country’s assets. He said Egypt would not allow its security to be compromised or its people’s assets to be diminished.