Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey agreed to begin the “rapid deployment” of military forces and capabilities under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as Saudi Arabia escalates operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
Following a meeting in Riyadh, the three countries agreed “to move immediately to the practical implementation of the collective defence commitments and to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the Kingdom,” according to a joint statement.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey on August 7, 2026, established a collective security arrangement modeled on Article 5 of NATO on the principle that any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all.
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman said the meeting reflected a common position among the three countries in response to attacks against Saudi Arabia and the holy sites.
“The emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Defense Alliance affirms the solidarity and unified stance of our countries in confronting the sinful aggressions that targeted the Kingdom and the Holy Sanctuaries, activating collective deterrence against these aggressions, and against all those standing behind them within the framework of the Mecca Defense Alliance,” Khalid bin Salman posted on X.
Earlier Monday, a Saudi-led coalition deployed about 100 warplanes as Yemeni government forces launched a major campaign against the Houthis and reported capturing the Bab el Mandeb strait on the Red Sea.
President Rashad al-Alimi announced the operation, named “Dawn of Yemen,” with the stated objectives of dismantling Houthi military capabilities, restoring government control over state institutions, recapturing Sana’a and ending the coup.
A spokesperson said the Giants Brigades and Nation’s Shield Forces had taken control of the Bab el Mandeb area. Yemeni government forces also reported advances around Dhu Bab, including the capture of the airport and control of the route connecting Dhu Bab and Mokha.
