Turkey, Pakistan to deploy forces to S. Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia is bracing for a rapid deployment of troops from Turkey and Pakistan in response to escalating attacks by the Houthi forces, according to a joint statement released by the three nations on Monday. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August, commits Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia to come to each other's aid in the event of an attack on their territory or security.

Representatives of the three nations met in Riyadh to reaffirm their commitment to reject any attack or threat against the Kingdom's security and territorial integrity. They also agreed to move immediately to the practical implementation of collective defence commitments and take necessary measures to provide military forces and capabilities for rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia.

The statement did not specify the exact role these troops would play once in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has faced repeated attacks from the Houthis, targeting cities, oil infrastructure, and ships since the civil war reignited in July. In September, the Houthis launched a new offensive, seizing territory from Yemen's Saudi-backed government, which launched a counteroffensive with Riyadh's support on Monday to retake Houthi-held territory.