Pakistan, Turkey to 'swiftly deploy' forces to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks in key move under Mecca pact

Pakistan and Turkey agreed on Monday to deploy troops to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Defence Alliance. This comes amid ongoing attacks by Houthi rebel groups from Yemen targeting the Kingdom.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Political and Defence Strategic Committee of the Mecca Defence Alliance held in Riyadh. (@modgovksa/X)The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Defence Alliance held in Riyadh.

Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud said in a post on X, “The Emergency Meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee under the Makkah Alliance for Defense reaffirmed the solidarity and unity of our countries in confronting the heinous attacks against the Kingdom and the holy sites. The committee agreed to activate collective deterrence measures within the framework of the Alliance in response to the attacks and all those responsible for them.”

According to a joint statement, the member countries "strongly condemned" an alleged attempt by the rebel group to target the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and the ongoing attacks targeting cities, civilian facilities and economic installations in Saudi Arabia.

"The member states affirmed that the security of each member state is an indivisible part of the collective security of the three states," it further said.

The joint statement also said that Saudi's allies under the pact, Turkey and Pakistan, would deploy forces to the Kingdom to confront and counter the ‘threats.’

It stated, "The Committee decided on the immediate transition to the practical implementation of collective defense commitments, and the taking of necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon forces and military capabilities and to swiftly deploy them in the Kingdom, in accordance with the approved arrangements and the national legislation of the member states, in a manner that enhances readiness, military integration, and the collective capacity to confront threats and counter them."

The statement reaffirmed the three countries' "categorical rejection of any aggression or threat to the security of the Kingdom and the safety of its territories."

The Committee also decided to appoint retired Pakistan Army Lieutenant General Numan Mahmud as its first Secretary-General for a three-year term.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing attacks by the Houthi rebel group targeting Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the development comes following weeks of Houthi attacks, as Riyadh and its Yemeni government allies launched a counteroffensive against the group, according to an AFP report.

The Houthis have been targeting neighbouring Saudi Arabia since Yemen's civil war reignited, the report also said.

Anushka Awasthi is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she covers politics, geopolitics, and major national and international developments. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi. Passionate about India's political landscape, Anushka believes that politics shapes every aspect of society, from public policy to everyday life. This drives her to deliver timely, accurate, and researched news that helps readers make sense of everyday developments. Before joining Hindustan Times, Anushka worked with the Zee News English website, reporting extensively on Indian politics and international affairs. During her tenure, she also wrote a range of interviews and analytical stories, focusing on key political and international affairs events. Her reporting is driven by a strong interest in journalism and a dedication to balanced reporting. She strives to present news with clarity and context in the digital era. She aims to ensure that readers stay informed about issues that matter. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys planning her next travel adventure to various corners of India, reading classical books, and binging sitcoms. A coffee enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for new places and experiences.Read More