Ankara and Islamabad are preparing to send military forces to Saudi Arabia as part of a newly activated collective defence agreement, the three governments announced on Monday. The move comes as the kingdom faces a surge in cross-border attacks from Yemen's Houthi movement.
The decision was reached during an emergency session in Riyadh of the signatories to the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August. That pact commits the three nations to mutual assistance in the event of an attack on any one of them.
The alliance brings together Turkey, which fields NATO's second-largest army, Pakistan, the Islamic world's only nuclear-armed state, and Saudi Arabia, the dominant Gulf power. Their representatives met to discuss recent strikes on Saudi territory, including those targeting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, though the joint statement avoided naming the Houthis directly.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the three countries "reaffirmed their unequivocal rejection of any attack or threat against the kingdom's security and territorial integrity." They also 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."
The statement did not specify the exact role the troops would play once deployed, nor did it offer a timeline for their arrival. Analysts suggest the forces could serve in a defensive capacity, protecting key infrastructure or providing air defence, rather than engaging in direct combat.
Escalating Houthi threats
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi drone and missile attacks on its cities, oil facilities, and shipping lanes since Yemen's civil war reignited in July. In September, the Houthis launched a fresh offensive, seizing large areas from Yemen's internationally recognised government. That government, backed by Riyadh, began a counteroffensive on Monday aimed at reclaiming territory, some of which has been under Houthi control for over a decade.
The deployment marks a significant step in the implementation of the Mecca pact, which had previously remained largely symbolic. It also underscores the growing military cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, two regional powers that have often been at odds over issues such as the Muslim Brotherhood and the war in Libya.
For Pakistan, the move reflects its long-standing ties with the Gulf monarchies, which host millions of Pakistani workers and have provided economic support to Islamabad in times of crisis. Pakistan has previously contributed troops to Saudi-led coalitions, though it has avoided direct involvement in Yemen.
The development is being watched closely in Europe, where defence officials are already grappling with questions about the continent's own military readiness. The Belgian defence minister recently argued that Europe's reliance on soft power had left it exposed, a debate that gains new relevance as NATO member Turkey commits forces to a conflict outside the alliance's traditional area of operations. For more on that discussion, see Europe's soft power gamble.
The cost of such commitments is also a pressing issue for European governments. As Turkey expands its military footprint, questions arise about the financial sustainability of defence ambitions across the continent. A recent analysis explored whether Europe can afford its defence goals.
The Houthis, meanwhile, have denied Saudi claims of a drone strike near Medina, adding to the fog of war. The incident, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation, as the holy city has largely been spared from the conflict. For more on that, see Houthi denial of Medina strike.
Turkey's involvement in the Gulf security architecture is a notable shift for Ankara, which has historically been cautious about deploying troops to the region. The move could also have implications for Turkey's relations with Iran, a key backer of the Houthis and a regional rival.
As the situation develops, European observers will be watching closely to see how the deployment unfolds and what it means for stability in the Middle East and beyond.
