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

ANKARA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Saturday that Saudi Arabia might face military requirements due to Yemen's Houthis' continuous assaults, and Turkey is prepared to assist under a trilateral defense pact involving Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Fidan emphasized that the ongoing attacks on Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity and sovereignty have prompted Turkey's commitment.

The joint defense agreement, known as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, asserts that an armed attack on one of the three nations will be perceived as an attack on all three. Fidan clarified that Turkey would be willing to fulfill any military demands, particularly on technical matters. He reiterated that Turkey is not interested in becoming part of the US-Iran war, as the country has no inclination to participate in the conflict.

Fidan mentioned that various proposals have been presented to all parties to end the fighting, urging them to accept these initiatives. He expressed hope that the sides would accept the proposals, as the crisis may become increasingly intolerable due to its economic implications. Turkey, which boasts the second-largest army within NATO, affirmed that the defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan and Saudi Arabia does not intend to supplant existing alliances.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthis claimed to have targeted significant facilities in Riyadh with missiles and drones, following the detection of flames and substantial smoke near the city's primary airport. Turkey condemned the Houthi attacks and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities.