Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have agreed to deploy military forces under the Makkah Defense Pact in response to escalating attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, according to a joint statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry. The decision follows an emergency meeting of the Strategic-Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defense, held in Riyadh. The pact aims to bolster Saudi security and counter Houthi threats.
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have intensified attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including targeting the Aramco refinery and the capital airport. Reports indicate that the group has also launched strikes near Mecca, a key religious site. These attacks have prompted the activation of the Makkah Defense Pact, which involves rapid military deployment from Turkey and Pakistan to support Saudi Arabia.
The pact, established to enhance regional security, has seen increased coordination between the three nations. Turkey and Pakistan have committed to providing military capabilities and forces to strengthen Saudi defenses. The deployment is part of broader efforts to stabilize the region amid ongoing conflict in Yemen. The Houthis have been engaged in a protracted war with Saudi Arabia and its allies since 2015, with the conflict causing widespread humanitarian crises.
The Makkah Defense Pact was initially signed to protect the holy city of Mecca. Recent attacks have raised concerns about the security of religious sites and the stability of the region. The deployment of forces under the pact reflects the growing urgency of the situation and the need for collective security measures. The conflict in Yemen continues to draw international attention, with humanitarian aid efforts struggling to meet the needs of millions of displaced people.
