Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have agreed to deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Defense Alliance, in response to recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group. This decision was made during an urgent meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the alliance held in Riyadh.
The Saudi Defense Minister, Khalid bin Salman, announced that the member states will activate collective defense measures to counter the threats targeting the kingdom. The agreement signifies the first operational step of the Mecca Defense Alliance, established on August 7, which stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
This development comes amid intensified fighting in Yemen, where forces supported by Saudi Arabia are engaged in a counteroffensive against the Houthis, who seized territories last month. The deployment aims to bolster defense capabilities in Saudi Arabia under existing arrangements and in accordance with the national laws of the member countries.
The formation of the Mecca Defense Alliance underscores a strategic partnership between the three nations, aiming to ensure regional stability and security. The current situation in Yemen has heightened the need for a coordinated defense response, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to mutual defense and cooperation.