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Saudi, Pakistan and Turkey To Activate The Makkah Defence Pact
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to implement their Makkah defence pact following deadly Houthi-claimed attacks on Saudi airports.
US-Israel-Iran War Spreads: Pakistan and Türkiye Join Saudi Defence Pact
The US-Israel-Iran war has increased tensions across the Middle East. The conflict is also affecting other countries, including Saudi Arabia and Yemen, where attacks by the Iran-aligned Houthi group have raised security concerns.
What Is Happening in Saudi Arabia?
The Houthis are an armed political and military group that controls large parts of northern Yemen. They receive support from Iran and have used missiles and drones in attacks against targets in the region.
In early October 2026, Houthi-claimed attacks targeted Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi aviation authorities, three people were killed and 36 were injured. The attacks have increased concerns about Saudi Arabia’s security. The country is also facing tensions near its southern border with Yemen, where fighting involving Houthi forces has intensified.
Saudi Arabia Activates the Makkah Defence Pact
On 5 October 2026, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye held an emergency meeting in Riyadh under the Makkah Alliance for Defence.
After the meeting, the three countries announced that they would begin implementing their mutual defence commitments. They agreed to arrange the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia. The pact is intended to strengthen cooperation between the three countries. It treats the security of each member as part of their shared security.
Pakistan already has military personnel stationed in Saudi Arabia. The latest announcement could lead to further military support, although the exact deployment arrangements have not all been made public.
What Role Will Pakistan and Türkiye Play?
Pakistan has a large military and can provide personnel, aircraft, air-defence systems, intelligence and other military support. Its involvement could be important as Saudi Arabia responds to the growing threat.
Türkiye has also agreed to support the defence arrangements. However, Turkish officials have said that Türkiye does not intend to send troops to carry out offensive operations against the Houthis in Yemen. Its support is expected to focus on defensive and technical assistance.
The agreement does not, by itself, confirm that Pakistani or Turkish forces will take part in ground battles in Yemen. The details of how each country will contribute remain important.
Why Could Fighting the Houthis Be Difficult?
The Houthis have years of experience fighting in Yemen’s conflict. The mountainous terrain, caves and underground locations in parts of Yemen can make it difficult to locate fighters and military equipment.
Their use of missiles and drones also allows them to strike targets from a distance, creating additional challenges for opposing forces. The United States and Britain have previously carried out strikes against Houthi targets, but the group has continued to operate.
Could This Lead to a Wider War?
The defence pact marks a significant step in military cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. It could increase pressure on the Houthis and influence the wider regional conflict.
However, the agreement does not mean that all three countries will automatically launch an offensive against Yemen. Türkiye has publicly drawn a distinction between helping defend Saudi Arabia and sending troops to fight the Houthis inside Yemen. The situation remains uncertain, and the countries’ next military and diplomatic decisions will help determine whether the conflict expands further.