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Egypt seeks authority to aid Saudi Arabia; Japan's Phobos launch
Egypt's president wants formal approval to send defence help to Saudi Arabia, while Japan prepares a Tuesday launch to fetch samples from Mars's moon Phobos; one trip is easier.
On air: Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock on Late Night BBNPublished
At a glance
- First reported by Al Jazeera: “Egypt’s Sisi seeks authorisation for defence assistance to Saudi Arabia”, with reporting from NHKニュース.
- Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:58 PM ET on Late Night BBN, by Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock.
- Topics: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan.
- BBN covered this story before: Saudi-led coalition intercepts drones as Egypt weighs sending help (October 17).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIn Cairo tonight, Egypt's president is asking for formal authorisation to provide defence assistance to Saudi Arabia, a request that points to shifting security alignments across the Middle East.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo Egypt is basically saying yes to help out Saudi Arabia. That's quite the commitment in a region where alliances shift faster than the news cycle.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIt is a request for legal permission, Vera, and in that region permission slips tend to matter.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorElsewhere, Japan launches a spacecraft on Tuesday toward Phobos, a moon of Mars, to bring back samples.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA souvenir run to Mars! I hope they get me a little rock for my vision board.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIt is a sample return, and I have yet to see a moon with a gift shop.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThen I'm asking for a refund.
The story so far
- OpenAI engineer arrested by FBI for allegedly bugging conference room · New York Post
- Ex-OpenAI engineer charged with planting recording device, one-way… · Fox News
- Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia still on, organisers say, but golf tour… · Al Jazeera
- Trump absent from GOP ads; France protests; Egypt on Saudi defence · Politico
- Egypt's President Says He Will Leave Office in 2030 · The New York Times
- Saudi-led coalition intercepts drones as Egypt weighs sending help · Al Jazeera
- Egypt seeks authority to aid Saudi Arabia; Japan's Phobos launch (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Saturday, October 17, 2026 · the World archive · all months
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