Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia have agreed to implement joint measures to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defense following attacks launched against the Kingdom by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The decision was announced on Monday following an urgent meeting in Riyadh involving the foreign and defense ministers of the three nations.
The three countries agreed to activate the defense pact known as the “Mecca Defense Alliance,” which was signed on August 7. The agreement stipulates that an attack on any one of the three nations will be considered an attack on all of them.
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman stated that the alliance agreed to initiate joint measures to counter such attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
A joint statement also indicated that the member states would prepare their troops and military capabilities for rapid deployment to Saudi Arabia, with these measures being carried out in accordance with the laws of each respective country.
The decision comes as forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government—backed by Saudi Arabia—have launched operations against the Houthis, who had seized key territories last month. Yemeni forces announced that they have recaptured the port city of Mocha and secured the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.
