Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye push rapid troop deployment in kingdom
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have agreed to take steps for the rapid deployment of military forces in the kingdom amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis, according to a media report.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the trilateral Makkah Defence Alliance in Riyadh on Monday, Dawn reported, quoting Pakistan's Foreign Office. The meeting was held to discuss the security situation and threats facing Saudi Arabia.
The trilateral defence agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in August, provides a framework for collective deterrence and says that an armed attack on any one of the three countries would be treated as an attack on all. Quoting the joint statement issued after the meeting, Dawn reported: "The committee decided to move immediately to the practical implementation of the collective defence commitments and to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the kingdom." The statement, however, did not give details or a timeline for troop deployment. It also did not specifically name the Houthis as a threat, though the move comes amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan was represented at the meeting by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. In a telephone interview with Geo News programme "Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath", Asif said Pakistan and Turkiye had a "presence in theatre", but only Saudi troops were involved in combat operations. "Whatever assistance they require is being provided. But right now, the Turkish and Pakistani armies are playing a supportive role," he said, adding that Pakistan was involved in reconnaissance.
The three members of the Makkah alliance also condemned the attempted targeting of the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, as well as continuing attacks on cities and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, the statement said. The Foreign Office said Pakistan and Turkiye praised the Saudi armed forces for their vigilance, readiness and professionalism in countering threats and attacks and protecting the kingdom's security and territorial integrity. The SPDC meeting took place as Yemen's Saudi-led coalition government launched a major military campaign on Sunday to recapture territory held by the Houthis.
