Turkey says it could help meet Saudi military needs under defence pact

ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Saturday that Saudi Arabia may require military assistance due to the ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthis. Turkey, under a trilateral defense pact involving Pakistan, is prepared to aid Saudi Arabia, citing serious concerns over territorial integrity and sovereignty. Speaking to broadcaster NTV, Fidan emphasized Turkey's solidarity in this matter, noting that any armed attack on one of the three nations would be considered an attack on all.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed last month, stipulates that such incidents will be treated as a collective threat. Since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, the Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting cities, energy infrastructure, and shipping, which could disrupt global oil supplies and the Red Sea route for Gulf exports.

While US President Donald Trump has declined Saudi Arabia's request for military support, Fidan stressed that Turkey would not aid in the US-Iran war, as the Saudi government has no intention to join it. Turkey, the second-largest NATO army, has also suggested potential expansion of the pact beyond the current members.