Turkey moves closer to Saudi troop deployment as parliament approves Mecca defence pact

Turkey's parliament has approved the Mecca defence pact, moving the country closer to a potential Saudi troop deployment. The bill, which received 279 votes in favor and 119 against, was primarily supported by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The agreement, signed by Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia in August, establishes that an attack on one party constitutes an attack on all, and does not specify any specific country or region as a threat.

While the agreement has no expiration date, signatories must withdraw after 10 years, provided they give written notice at least three months in advance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to publish the law in the Official Gazette later this week, bringing it into force.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.