Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye activate pact for rapid military deployment
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to put their Mecca defence pact into practice, preparing to deploy agreed forces and capabilities rapidly to the kingdom after Houthi attacks. The announcement, made after an emergency meeting in Riyadh, comes as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launch a counteroffensive; the statement gives no troop numbers, roles or deployment timetable.
Bottom line — The pact’s first activation commits Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye to act together, but leaves the practical military contribution unspecified.
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The agreement, signed in August, treats an armed attack on any member as an attack on all three, according to the joint statement.
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Saudi Arabia’s defence minister, Khalid bin Salman, said the alliance had activated collective deterrence measures in response to attacks on the kingdom.
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The joint statement did not name the Houthis, although the meeting addressed security threats facing Saudi Arabia amid their attacks.
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The National reports that retired Pakistani lieutenant general Nauman Mahmood was appointed the alliance’s first secretary-general for a three-year term.
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The Saudi-led coalition said it was providing air support to Yemeni government forces, according to Al Jazeera; The National reported that the offensive aims to reclaim territory held by the Houthis.