Turkey to deploy troops and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Turkey plans to reinforce its military assistance to Saudi Arabia in response to escalating Houthi attacks, according to multiple Turkish officials. The country aims to deploy additional personnel, pilots, and combat forces to help safeguard Saudi infrastructure, including energy facilities and the East-West pipeline, which passes through the kingdom.

These measures are contingent upon parliamentary approval after Turkey ratifies the Makkah Pact, a collective defense agreement between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. Turkish military assets, such as technical teams and electronic warfare equipment, have been stationed in Saudi Arabia since last year, and more deployments could follow after the approval of a formal authorization bill.

The Turkish special forces may also be deployed to counter drones and ballistic missiles. While Ankara hopes for diplomatic solutions to the conflict, the focus remains on protecting key Saudi sites, including Riyadh and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.