The Mecca Defence Alliance faces its first practical test
The Mecca Defence Alliance faces its first practical test newspress_en Wed, 10/07/2026 - 18:38 Politics With almost a quarter of a billion people and a culture of healthy debate, there are not many topics in Pakistan that unite opinion, but Saudi Arabia is one. Whether from its political parties or from its 240 million people, there has been a rare and in many ways remarkable show of solidarity…
The Mecca Defence Alliance, comprising Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, is set to confront the first practical test of its unity as the trio convenes in Riyadh amidst the escalating conflict in Yemen. The alliance, formed last year, pledges mutual assistance in the face of aggression, as demonstrated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's pledge to support Saudi Arabia through thick and thin.
Retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood of Pakistan was chosen as the alliance’s first secretary-general, tasked with coordinating complex cross-border logistics and facilitating intelligence-sharing. The alliance's urgency is underscored by the Houthis' attempt to encircle the strategic city of Taiz, a move that would grant them control over the vital maritime waterway between the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
The three allies have also vowed to condemn the militia's targeting of holy cities and energy facilities, with Saudi Arabia already intercepting a Houthi drone near Mecca.
Written by urgent.news from Al Majalla English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
