Pakistan, Turkey to Send Forces to Saudi Arabia Under Makkah Defense Pact
Pakistan and Turkey will provide military forces and capabilities for rapid deployment to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces growing security threats, the three countries said Monday. The decision came after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey held an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah pact for Defense in Riyadh. The talks focused on security developments and threats facing Saudi Arabia.
In a joint statement, the three countries said they would begin putting their collective defense commitments into practice. They agreed to take the necessary steps to make previously agreed forces and military capabilities available for rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia.
The measures will follow approved arrangements and the national laws of each member state. The countries said the move would strengthen deterrence, military readiness and cooperation among their armed forces.
Alliance condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey also strongly condemned attempts to target Makkah and Madinah. They denounced continued attacks on Saudi cities, civilian areas and economic facilities. The countries said the security of each member was an integral part of the collective security of all three. They also rejected attacks or threats against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
The meeting comes amid a sharp escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated missile and drone threats in recent months. In September, a Houthi advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast raised new concerns in Saudi Arabia after authorities said a drone was intercepted south of Makkah. The threat has also placed Saudi energy infrastructure under pressure. In July, a Greek Patriot battery stationed in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen toward the Yanbu refinery complex.
Fighting intensifies in Yemen
The new defense measures come as fighting intensifies inside Yemen. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched an offensive against Houthi positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
The Houthis have also increased pressure on Saudi Arabia through missile, drone and maritime threats. The developments have raised concerns over Red Sea shipping and the security of regional energy infrastructure.
Pakistani general appointed Makkah Alliance chief
The committee also appointed retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood as the Makkah Alliance for Defense’s first secretary-general. He will serve a three-year term. The three countries said his appointment was part of efforts to build the alliance’s institutional structure and strengthen coordination among its members.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement on Aug. 7. The pact established a collective defense framework under which an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all three.
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