Pakistan and Türkiye to Deploy Forces in Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Threats
Pakistan and Türkiye have pledged to deploy military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia to counter escalating threats from Yemen's Houthi group. This decision follows an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Alliance for Defense in Riyadh on October 5, 2026. The joint statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense condemned recent attacks targeting Mecca, Madinah, and other civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia.
The three countries affirmed that the security of one is integral to the collective security of all, emphasizing the importance of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed on August 7, 2026. The agreement stipulates that an attack on any signatory will be considered an attack on all. The alliance aims to strengthen deterrence, military readiness, and integration in response to the ongoing threats.
The Houthi group has been targeting Saudi shipping and oil facilities since announcing a maritime ban on Saudi vessels in July. The alliance's commitment to rapid deployment of forces underscores the seriousness of the security challenges facing the region.