Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have activated collective defence measures under the Makkah Alliance for Defense following renewed fighting in Yemen and a series of reported attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the alliance’s Strategic-Political and Defense Committee in Riyadh on Monday (5 Oct). The three countries agreed to begin implementing collective defence commitments, including the provision and rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities under existing arrangements.
The move comes amid a sharp escalation in Yemen’s conflict, following renewed Houthi advances along Yemen’s western coastline in September, including the capture of the strategic port city of Mocha and positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key global maritime trade route.
On Monday, forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government launched a counteroffensive, reporting the recapture of Mocha and key areas near the strait with support from the Saudi-led coalition.
The Houthis subsequently claimed attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia, including infrastructure and military sites, though those claims have not been independently verified.
The activation of the Makkah Alliance for Defense marks a significant development in the evolving security landscape of the Middle East, signalling deeper defence coordination between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.
Beyond the immediate Yemen conflict, the move reflects broader concerns over regional stability, maritime security and the risk of wider escalation.
The alliance’s shift from a political framework towards operational cooperation could influence future deterrence dynamics in the region, with its long-term significance depending on military integration, strategic coordination and the members’ continued commitment to collective defence.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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