Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have moved to immediately activate their collective defence commitments under the Makkah Defence Alliance, following an emergency meeting in Riyadh on October 5. The three countries agreed to take practical measures for the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
The decision comes amid escalating fighting in Yemen and repeated Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory. The alliance strongly condemned attempted attacks against Makkah and Madinah, as well as attacks on Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities.
The latest agreement also marks an important step in developing the alliance’s operational structure. Retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood has been appointed as its first Secretary-General for a three-year term.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistani and Turkish forces currently have a supportive role, while Saudi forces remain involved in combat operations. He said assistance is being provided, including reconnaissance, as the security situation continues to develop.
The activation follows the Makkah defence agreement signed in August, which establishes a framework for collective defence and treats the security of each member as part of the wider security of all three countries.
With Yemen’s conflict intensifying and attacks against Saudi Arabia continuing, the alliance is now moving from establishing its framework toward greater military coordination, readiness and rapid response.
