Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Trigger Mutual Defense Pact
Even the threat of joint involvement could dramatically shift the Saudi-Houthi conflict.
Three Sunni Muslim-majority nations, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, have activated a mutual defense pact in response to repeated Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure. The joint deterrence measures, which may involve the rapid deployment of troops to the Persian Gulf, mark the first time the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement has been invoked since its signing in August.
The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three states shall be considered an attack against all. The Houthis, who have yet to comment, have launched attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the Red Sea coast and critical energy infrastructure. In response, Saudi-led forces in Yemen have attempted to retake coastal territory.
Meanwhile, Lithuania's parliament voted to allow nuclear weapons on its soil as part of NATO's deterrence plans, despite Russia's concerns about increased regional tensions.
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