The Strategic Political and Defence Committee (SPDC) of the trilateral Mecca Defense Alliance held an emergency meeting in Riyadh on Monday to address the security developments and threats facing Saudi Arabia, Dawn reported, citing Pakistan’s Foreign Office(FO).
After the meeting, participating countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have agreed to take measures for the rapid deployment of military forces in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis.
Alliance provides for collective defence
The defence agreement, signed by the three countries in August, provides a framework for collective deterrence. It says an armed attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all three.
The committee decided to immediately implement the alliance’s collective defence commitments and take steps to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia.
However, the joint statement gave no details or timeline for troop deployment.
Pakistan and Turkiye to play supportive role
The statement did not specifically name the Houthis as a threat, but the decision comes amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir attended the meeting.
Asif told Geo News that Pakistani and Turkish forces have a presence in the theatre but are not involved in combat operations. Saudi troops are conducting combat operations, while Pakistan and Turkiye are providing support. He said Pakistan is also involved in reconnaissance.
Alliance condemns attacks on Saudi Arabia
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye condemned attempts to target the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, along with attacks on Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities.
Pakistan and Turkiye also praised the Saudi armed forces for their readiness and efforts to protect the kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.
Saudi-led forces launch major campaign
The SPDC meeting came as the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen’s government launched a major military campaign on Sunday to recapture territory held by the Houthis, according to the report.
