Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have moved to implement their Makkah Alliance for Defense, agreeing to take immediate steps to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks.
The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defense in Riyadh on October 5. The three countries said the move would strengthen their collective readiness and ability to respond to threats facing Saudi Arabia.
According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, the committee decided to move immediately toward the practical implementation of the alliance’s collective defense commitments. It said the necessary measures would be taken to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the Kingdom, in accordance with approved arrangements and the national laws of the three countries.
Pakistan, Türkiye To Provide Military Forces and Capabilities
The latest development marks the first major practical implementation of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, which was signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye in August.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening collective defense and deterrence among the three countries. Under the latest decision, Pakistan and Türkiye will provide the agreed military forces and capabilities to support Saudi Arabia, although the joint statement did not specify the number of troops involved or give a precise deployment timetable.
The three countries said the security of each member is an integral part of their collective security. They also said implementation of the agreement demonstrates their commitment to defending their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Makkah, Madinah Attacks Condemned
The decision comes as fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Iran-aligned Houthi rebels has sharply intensified.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye strongly condemned what they described as attempted targeting of the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, along with continuing attacks against Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities.
The three countries reaffirmed their rejection of any attack or threat against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
The escalation has also coincided with a major Saudi-backed military offensive in Yemen. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have moved against Houthi positions around the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while Saudi forces have carried out airstrikes against Houthi targets.
Makkah Alliance Appoints First Secretary-General
During the emergency meeting, the committee also appointed Pakistan’s retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary-General of the Makkah Alliance for Defense for a three-year term.
The alliance said the move was part of efforts to further institutionalise the defence arrangement and strengthen military coordination among its members.