From Dw · · 1m 40s
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey form defense pact against Houthis
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey activate military alliance to counter Houthi attacks in Yemen.
In brief
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey activate military alliance to counter Houthi attacks in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey began joint military operations against Houthi militia in Yemen after signing the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7, 2026. Originally reported by Dw.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey sign defense pact
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7, 2026, committing to mutual defense against attacks.
“According to the trilateral defense commitment, which was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 7, 2026, an armed attack on any one of the three states involved should be regarded as an attack on them all.”
Mecca pact activation begins
Turkey and Pakistan agreed to immediately deploy military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia after emergency meetings in Riyadh on October 5, 2026.
“According to a joint statement, Turkey and Pakistan decided to implement the collective defense commitments in practical terms immediately. This means providing military forces and capabilities and ensuring their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia.”
Mecca pact appoints first secretary-general
Pakistan appointed retired lieutenant general Nauman Mahmood as the alliance's first secretary-general for a three-year term.
“The appointment of a retired Pakistani lieutenant general, Nauman Mahmood, as the alliance's first secretary-general was also announced. He will serve a three-year term.”
Military capabilities of Mecca pact
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey combined have 1.4 million active personnel, 3,400 military aircraft, 6,000 tanks, and over 340 naval assets according to 2026 Global Firepower rankings.
“According to the 2026 Global Firepower military strength ranking, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey between them have about 1.4 million active personnel, some 3,400 military aircraft, 6,000 tanks and more than 340 naval assets.”
Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Houthi militia has launched ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Saudi forces have conducted airstrikes in Yemen to support government offensives.
“Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia has been fighting against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces in Yemen, as well as launching missiles at Saudi Arabia”
Turkey's diplomatic approach
Turkey discussed peaceful solutions through dialogue with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan after the Mecca pact activation, despite concerns about military involvement.
“We also discussed what could be done to resolve the problem peacefully and through dialogue”
Pakistan's strategic position
Pakistan maintains a supportive role in Yemen while balancing relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran, avoiding direct military engagement.
“Pakistan and Turkey were playing a "supportive role," with their forces involved in "reconnaissance and other things," while Saudi forces were engaged in combat.”
Houthi military strategy
Houthi militia has framed their conflict as a fight against external enemies, which could strengthen their local alliances if foreign forces are deployed in Yemen.
“For years, a cornerstone of the Houthi narrative and rallying cry has been a fight against perceived external enemies. Accordingly, he added, foreign boots on the ground in Yemen would "not only backfire, it would solidify the Houthi local coalitions and fuel their recruitment drives."”
What matters most
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey began joint military operations against Houthi militia in Yemen after signing the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7, 2026.
