Pakistan sent four planeloads of weapons to Saudi-backed government in Yemen: Report

Pakistan sent four cargo planes of weapons to the Saudi-backed government in Yemen in September, according to a report by Reuters. The shipments, which included air defense systems, light artillery, drones, and anti-drone systems, were made to the port city of Aden, suggesting an increase in Pakistan's involvement in the war. Pakistani military advisors are also deployed with Saudi counterparts to support Yemeni troops.

Saudi Arabia is preparing for a high-intensity campaign to counter a Houthi offensive that has taken control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline. The Houthis recently destroyed a bridge linking government-held areas around Taiz to Aden, potentially isolating the port city and disrupting the government's supply lines. Saudi Arabia has conducted numerous air strikes against the Houthis, with the group responding by targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh airport.

The extent of Pakistan and Turkey's support for Saudi Arabia against the Houthis is being closely watched as an early test for the Mecca Pact, a joint defense agreement signed by the three countries in August.