CENTCOM Chief visits Egypt

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its chief, Gen. Michael Kurilla, visited Cairo on July 17-18. During his visit, he met with Egypt's new Defense Minister, Abdel Majeed Saqr, and the new Chief of the Egyptian General Staff, Lt Gen. Ahmed Fathy Ibrahim Khalifa.

"General Kurilla congratulated his counterparts on their new positions. He reaffirmed CENTCOM’s commitment to close cooperation with Egypt regarding counterterrorism threats. The primary topics of discussion included the situation in Gaza and the Red Sea and the need to restore security," the statement reads.

The American military leader also met with Adm. Osama Rabie, the head of the Suez Canal Authority. They discussed the economic impact of the Houthi actions. The canal is a key source of foreign currency for Egypt, and it is crucial for purchasing food.

The visit took place before the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv, and the subsequent Israeli Air Force strike on the city of Hodeidah.