RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to immediately activate their collective-defence commitments under the Makkah Defence Alliance, including the swift deployment of agreed forces and military capabilities to Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional security threats.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the alliance’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh on Monday, October 5, where senior political and military officials from the three countries reviewed the security situation and threats facing the Kingdom.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the meeting reaffirmed the solidarity and unified position of the three countries in confronting attacks against Saudi Arabia and the holy sites.
He said collective deterrence would be activated against the attacks and those responsible for them within the framework of the Makkah Defence Alliance.
The committee approved recommendations aimed at strengthening military readiness, integration and the three countries’ collective capacity to confront security threats.
Under the agreed arrangements, the necessary forces and military capabilities will be provided and deployed to Saudi Arabia in accordance with arrangements approved by the member states and their respective national laws.
Attempted attacks on Makkah and Madinah
The three countries condemned what they described as attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, along with attacks on Saudi cities, civilian facilities and economic installations.
Saudi authorities have also accused the Houthis of targeting or attempting to target several locations across the Kingdom, including Riyadh, Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Taif and Yanbu, as well as Saudi vessels operating in the southern Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.
The alliance members reiterated their categorical rejection of any aggression or threat against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
Pakistan and Türkiye also commended the readiness and vigilance of the Saudi Armed Forces and their efforts to protect the Kingdom and the holy sites.
Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia strengthen military coordination
Pakistan’s delegation to the Riyadh meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. Türkiye was represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu.
The meeting followed increasing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and came as Yemen’s internationally recognised government launched a major military campaign against Houthi forces. Pakistani officials had previously indicated that the attacks on Saudi Arabia would be a central issue at the emergency meeting.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye in August. The agreement is designed to establish a collective security framework, with the three countries committed to strengthening deterrence and responding collectively to threats against member states.
First Secretary-General appointed
The committee also took steps to establish the alliance’s institutional structure, appointing retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Numan Mahmud as its first secretary-general for a three-year term.
The three countries welcomed the appointment and expressed confidence that he would contribute to developing the alliance’s institutional framework and advancing its objectives.
The alliance members further reaffirmed that the security of each member state constitutes an indivisible part of their collective security.
The latest decision marks a significant move from the formation of the Makkah Defence Alliance toward practical implementation of its collective-defence commitments, with the immediate deployment of agreed military capabilities potentially representing the alliance’s first major operational test amid escalating regional tensions.
The three countries said translating the Makkah Agreement into practical measures would strengthen deterrence, demonstrate the credibility of their mutual defence commitments and reinforce their determination to protect their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.