Saudi Arabia says 3 injured in attacks on its airports as fighting with Houthis reignites

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have agreed to activate their collective defense commitments in response to recent threats, including the Houthi offensive in Yemen, according to Arab News. This development marks the alliance's first major test. The Mecca Defense Alliance, formed on August 7, outlines the agreement to deploy forces and military capabilities to Saudi Arabia in the event of ongoing threats.

Saudi Arabia's defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, emphasized the solidarity and unified stance of the three countries in confronting the aggressive actions targeting the Kingdom and the holy sites. He announced the activation of collective deterrence measures as part of the alliance.

The alliance's Strategic Political and Defense Committee, meeting in Riyadh, reviewed political and military consultations and approved recommendations to affirm the commitment to collective defense and a unified response to threats. The committee also appointed retired Lt. Gen. Numan Mahmud of Pakistan as its first secretary-general, for a three-year term.

Observers are closely watching this alliance, as it could potentially evolve into a regional NATO-like entity. This development, in a changing world order where the US is modifying its commitments, suggests that Saudi Arabia and its allies may need to enhance their cooperation.