Saudi Arabia Turkey and Pakistan activate defense pact amid Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have moved to activate their collective-defense pact following an emergency meeting of the Mecca Defense Alliance in Riyadh. The three nations agreed to quickly prepare for the deployment of military forces to Saudi Arabia, according to Anadolu Agency.

The alliance was triggered by recent Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, including strikes reportedly targeting Mecca, Medina, and other cities, as well as vessels in the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The escalation comes amid broader tensions in Yemen, where Saudi-backed government forces have launched an offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities, and military sites. The decision to deploy forces under the defense pact underscores the growing regional security concerns.