Pakistan, Türkiye Weigh Greater Military Role in Saudi-Houthi Conflict

Pakistan and Türkiye are moving closer to becoming directly involved in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, as military chiefs from the two countries prepare for urgent talks in Riyadh.

The discussions follow Saudi Arabia’s request for Pakistan and Türkiye to help implement the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by the three countries on August 7. The agreement states that an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all three.

Türkiye’s Chief of General Staff, General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, is expected in Riyadh, while Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is also expected to travel to the Saudi capital.

The planned meeting comes amid intensified Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory. The Houthis claimed to have launched dozens of missiles and drones at Saudi targets, including what they described as a sensitive target in Riyadh and facilities belonging to Saudi Aramco in Yanbu.

Saudi authorities said their air defences intercepted six ballistic missiles targeting Taif and Yanbu, while emergency alerts were issued for Mecca, Jeddah and Yanbu.

However, Pakistan and Türkiye have maintained cautious positions over the extent of their possible involvement. Pakistan described the discussions as focusing on establishing the institutional structures of the defence agreement and broader regional security issues.

Türkiye has also described the process as part of ongoing technical negotiations to formalise the agreement.

Meanwhile, Houthi officials have warned both Pakistan and Türkiye against entering the conflict. A Houthi political bureau member, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, said the group would respond forcefully if either country became involved in the war.

Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said sending troops could be difficult for both countries. Pakistan is dealing with security challenges along its borders with Afghanistan and India as well as attacks by armed groups, while Türkiye has military commitments involving NATO and its border with Syria.

Saudi Arabia, however, has been seeking greater support as fighting intensifies. Britain has offered defensive assistance, including refuelling Saudi aircraft, while France said it would deploy troops to protect a major oil terminal at Yanbu.

Despite the growing international support, the Houthis have continued attacks against Saudi Arabia and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen.

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has not yet been submitted for parliamentary approval. He said it is expected to be presented when parliament resumes on October 1.

Pakistan has already appointed retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the agreement’s first secretary-general, with its joint secretariat being established in Riyadh.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share