Pakistan Vows to Defend Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Rebels

Pakistan has signaled its intention to defend Saudi Arabia against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, stating that it will use 'whatever means are available' to protect its ally.

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif made the comments during a visit to Rome, where he declined to confirm whether Pakistani forces had participated in airstrikes against the Houthis.

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey on August 7, declares that an attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all three countries. Asif emphasized that 'any enemy of Saudi Arabia is an enemy of Pakistan,' reflecting Islamabad's commitment to Riyadh.

The defense pact comes as the Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, capturing strategic ports and islands along Yemen's Red Sea coast. The group has also targeted Saudi oil facilities and sought to disrupt maritime trade through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.