Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have pledged to bolster military and intelligence cooperation in response to increasing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces targeting Saudi Arabia. This decision emerged from a meeting held in Riyadh on Friday, where the chiefs of staff from the three countries’ armed forces convened to discuss measures under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which was signed in August.
The meeting focused on enhancing regional security and integrating defensive capabilities, with the military officials reaffirming their commitment to collective defense and the protection of Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The discussions come amid a surge in Houthi attacks that have affected Saudi-linked interests and infrastructure, as well as attacks on shipping activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, contributing to heightened security concerns in the region.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman also met with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, to address these recent attacks and explore ways to enhance joint defense strategies. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that an armed attack on any of the three nations is considered an attack on all, thereby calling for expanded defense cooperation and stronger collective deterrence.
This latest meeting signifies a concerted effort by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye to operationalize their defense agreement into tangible military and security cooperation. The enhanced collaboration aims to provide a more robust defense posture in light of the escalating threats posed by Houthi forces in the region.