Turkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to activate “deterrence measures” under a mutual defence pact and rapidly deploy forces to the Gulf kingdom to counter attacks by Yemen’s Houthis.

The decision was announced on Monday after the three countries’ defence and foreign ministers held an emergency meeting in Riyadh. It marked the first time the alliance – known as the Mecca Alliance for Defence – has been invoked since it was signed on August 7.

Houthis say Saudi airspace no longer safe, deny any advances by Yemen's government forces

Pakistan will go to “any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia, Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, making it clear that Islamabad considers its commitment to the security of the Gulf kingdom “unconditional” amid growing tensions between Riyadh and Yemen’s Houthi forces.&nbsp;The comments came after the Houthis reported fresh Saudi airstrikes this week, while Saudi Arabia accused the group of launching a “cowardly” attack targeting Mecca, Islam’s holy city, an accusation that triggered strong outrage across the Muslim world.&nbsp;Speaking to Arab News on Thursday, Chaudhry said Pakistan would stand behind Saudi Arabia “both diplomatically and physically”, as the two countries face a period of heightened regional tensions.“We will go to any extent for the security of (the two holy sanctuaries) and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.&nbsp;Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last month, under which the three countries agreed to provide mutual defence if any one of them comes under attack.&nbsp;The agreement was signed against the backdrop of the war between the United States and Iran, along with attacks across the region by Tehran-backed Houthi forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-to-convene-g7-energy-meeting-as-oil-prices-stay-above-100-1789743311576">Macron to convene G7 energy meeting as oil prices stay above $100</a><h3>Saudi oil shipments face disruption</h3>The conflict has also affected Saudi Arabia’s exports through the Bab al Mandab Strait, with data showing that weekly traffic through the route since the beginning of August has remained below a third of this year’s seven-day average.&nbsp;Recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast have disrupted shipping through the narrow passage and have particularly affected Saudi exports, while the group now controls the strategic Bab el Mandeb Strait, an important route for Saudi oil shipments.&nbsp;The wider Middle East war has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, putting further pressure on important regional trade routes.&nbsp;Data from maritime tracking firm Kpler showed that only five laden vessels carrying Saudi products left the Red Sea through the Bab el Mandeb Strait during the past seven days.The figure was higher during the week of July 24, when 11 vessels carrying Saudi products passed through the strait after leaving the Red Sea.&nbsp;Crude shipments have also fallen below their usual levels, with outbound vessels carrying crude, the most frequently transported commodity through the strait, recording below-average traffic over the past seven days.

Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Islamabad would go to “any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks disrupt the kingdom’s security and oil shipments through the Bab el Mandeb Strait.

Pakistan will go to “any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia, Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, making it clear that Islamabad considers its commitment to the security of the Gulf kingdom “unconditional” amid growing tensions between Riyadh and Yemen’s Houthi forces. The comments came after the Houthis reported fresh Saudi airstrikes this week, while Saudi Arabia accused the group of launching a “cowardly” attack targeting Mecca, Islam’s holy city, an accusation that triggered strong outrage across the Muslim world. Speaking to Arab News on Thursday, Chaudhry said Pakistan would stand behind Saudi Arabia “both diplomatically and physically”, as the two countries face a period of heightened regional tensions. “We will go to any extent for the security of (the two holy sanctuaries) and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last month, under which the three countries agreed to provide mutual defence if any one of them comes under attack. The agreement was signed against the backdrop of the war between the United States and Iran, along with attacks across the region by Tehran-backed Houthi forces. Also Read: Macron to convene G7 energy meeting as oil prices stay above $100 Saudi oil shipments face disruption The conflict has also affected Saudi Arabia’s exports through the Bab al Mandab Strait, with data showing that weekly traffic through the route since the beginning of August has remained below a third of this year’s seven-day average. Recent Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast have disrupted shipping through the narrow passage and have particularly affected Saudi exports, while the group now controls the strategic Bab el Mandeb Strait, an important route for Saudi oil shipments. The wider Middle East war has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, putting further pressure on important regional trade routes. Data from maritime tracking firm Kpler showed that only five laden vessels carrying Saudi products left the Red Sea through the Bab el Mandeb Strait during the past seven days. The figure was higher during the week of July 24, when 11 vessels carrying Saudi products passed through the strait after leaving the Red Sea. Crude shipments have also fallen below their usual levels, with outbound vessels carrying crude, the most frequently transported commodity through the strait, recording below-average traffic over the past seven days.

Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Islamabad would go to “any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks disrupt the kingdom’s security and oil shipments through the Bab el Mandeb Strait.

‘Will go to any extent’: Pakistan vows to defend Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Pakistan appears increasingly caught in a difficult position as the conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces intensifies.

The Mecca Pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey has added another layer of pressure, with the agreement committing the countries to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Islamabad is now facing questions over whether the escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could eventually force it to respond.

At the same time, the Houthi push toward Yemen’s Red Sea coastline is raising fresh concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s key maritime trade routes. Any major disruption could further threaten global shipping and energy supplies, particularly as the wider Hormuz crisis continues to affect oil markets.

Pakistan has long sought to balance its relationships with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. With tensions rising across West Asia, that balancing act is facing one of its biggest tests yet.

Watch the full report for the latest developments, Pakistan’s dilemma and the growing risks to regional and global energy security.

Pak defence minister says 'time has come to implement pact'

India has condemned the alleged drone attack near Mecca after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the incident was particularly concerning because of Mecca’s importance to Muslims around the world. India also reiterated its opposition to attacks on Saudi territory and actions that put civilians and infrastructure at risk.&nbsp;“The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&nbsp;India also expressed hope that peace and stability would return to the region at the earliest.&nbsp;“We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said.<h3>Saudi Arabia intercepts drone near Mecca</h3>The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it could enter the restricted airspace around the holy city.&nbsp;Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki described the incident as a hostile act and warned that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line”. He said the coalition would take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our response to media queries regarding the drone attack near Makkah ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/l3qVpApFa3">https://t.co/l3qVpApFa3</a> <a href="https://t.co/2bXH7fzijo">pic.twitter.com/2bXH7fzijo</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2100176002878144748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Saudi Arabia said the drone was launched by the Houthis, who are based in Yemen and have been involved in the wider regional conflict.&nbsp;However, Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree denied that the group had targeted Mecca or other Islamic holy sites. He said Houthi operations were aimed at Saudi oil facilities and military bases away from the sacred sites.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-be-completely-different-and-very-short-if-europe-attacks-russia-warns-lavrov-1789561780082">War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov</a><h3>OIC backs Saudi Arabia</h3>The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the reported incident and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The 57-member organisation backed measures taken by Riyadh to protect its security and sovereignty, as well as the safety and sanctity of Islamic holy sites.&nbsp;The incident comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with recent attacks also raising concerns about regional security and shipping routes.

India condemned the reported drone attack near Mecca, with the MEA calling the incident particularly concerning due to the city’s significance to Muslims worldwide.

India has condemned the alleged drone attack near Mecca after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the incident was particularly concerning because of Mecca’s importance to Muslims around the world. India also reiterated its opposition to attacks on Saudi territory and actions that put civilians and infrastructure at risk. “The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. India also expressed hope that peace and stability would return to the region at the earliest. “We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said. Saudi Arabia intercepts drone near Mecca The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it could enter the restricted airspace around the holy city. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki described the incident as a hostile act and warned that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line”. He said the coalition would take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.

India condemned the reported drone attack near Mecca, with the MEA calling the incident particularly concerning due to the city’s significance to Muslims worldwide.

‘Particularly concerning’: India condemns alleged Houthi drone attack near Mecca

The Saudi-led Mecca Defence Pact is expanding its footprint. Bangladesh has said it's viewing the mutual-defence agreement — signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on August 7 — positively, after reportedly receiving an invitation from Riyadh. Pakistan says six to seven other Muslim-majority nations are also interested in joining. Meeting in Istanbul, top diplomats from the founding members agreed to work on a framework and establish a secretariat to coordinate activities under the pact, which treats an attack on any member as an attack on all.


Bangladesh considers joining Mecca defence pact, members agree to establish secretariat

On August 7, 2026, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The trilateral collective-defence compact declares that an armed attack on any one of the three shall be treated as an attack on all.&nbsp;The alliance is aimed at forming a group credible like NATO. But does this alliance work for Pakistan and gives it an edge over its foe India? In fact has the Mecca pact weakened Pakistan as it would have to stretch in its military commitments?<h2>Pakistan's situation on the Indian border</h2>&nbsp;According to an estimate, about 80 per cent of the country’s deployable capacity, from a standing army of 600,000, was stationed between Kargil and Kutch on the Indian front. But they had to pull out some of its troops due to the rising tensions in he Baloch, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Afghan operations. And now the Mecca pact may demand Pakistan to send forces to Yemen the south of Saudi Arabia to Somalia and perhaps farther south to Sudan later, which depletes Islamabad's strength on the Indian border, wrote Former Union Minister and Senior Indian journalist MJ Akbar in Open Magazine.&nbsp;In fact Pakistan is believed to have sent 13,000 troops and 20 combat jets already for its new commitments to the Mecca Pact.&nbsp;"Any upscale against the Houthis will require more troops. Each addi­tional soldier, each additional jet there means that much less on the Indian front. Pakistan has a good defence industry, and drones are arriving from Turkey. But every commander knows that the danger zone lies in the space between stretch and overstretch," said Akbar.<h2>Weak Pakistan economy</h2>&nbsp;For years Pakistan military establishment has extorted public funds by setting a narrative that India’s secret desire is to reverse Partition. However, no Indian in today's time thinks in that direction. In fact Kashmiris in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) are not happy with Pakistan as they see themselves being treated as colonised subjects.&nbsp;Pakistan's economy has never been in a stable state. It has always depended on other countries for funds to run its economy.&nbsp;"This August Riyadh sent another $3 billion to the State Bank of Pakistan as blood transfusion, making the total debt $8 billion in addition to $1.2 billion in deferred payment for oil supply facility. Islamabad is waiting for America to ease the pressure of $10 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The total external debt of Pakistan is nearly $140 billion, of which $70 billion is to China. Its total internal and external debt of near $300 billion adds up to nearly 70 per cent of GDP. Pakistan is saved by a Saudi drip feed," said Akbar.&nbsp;Kashmir is Pakistan’s fixation but Indians know that Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mecca pact may demand Pakistan to send forces to Yemen the south of Saudi Arabia to Somalia and perhaps farther south to Sudan later, which depletes Islamabad's strength on the Indian border.

On August 7, 2026, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The trilateral collective-defence compact declares that an armed attack on any one of the three shall be treated as an attack on all. The alliance is aimed at forming a group credible like NATO. But does this alliance work for Pakistan and gives it an edge over its foe India? In fact has the Mecca pact weakened Pakistan as it would have to stretch in its military commitments? Pakistan's situation on the Indian border According to an estimate, about 80 per cent of the country’s deployable capacity, from a standing army of 600,000, was stationed between Kargil and Kutch on the Indian front. But they had to pull out some of its troops due to the rising tensions in he Baloch, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Afghan operations. And now the Mecca pact may demand Pakistan to send forces to Yemen the south of Saudi Arabia to Somalia and perhaps farther south to Sudan later, which depletes Islamabad's strength on the Indian border, wrote Former Union Minister and Senior Indian journalist MJ Akbar in Open Magazine. In fact Pakistan is believed to have sent 13,000 troops and 20 combat jets already for its new commitments to the Mecca Pact. "Any upscale against the Houthis will require more troops. Each additional soldier, each additional jet there means that much less on the Indian front. Pakistan has a good defence industry, and drones are arriving from Turkey. But every commander knows that the danger zone lies in the space between stretch and overstretch," said Akbar. Weak Pakistan economy For years Pakistan military establishment has extorted public funds by setting a narrative that India’s secret desire is to reverse Partition. However, no Indian in today's time thinks in that direction. In fact Kashmiris in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) are not happy with Pakistan as they see themselves being treated as colonised subjects. Pakistan's economy has never been in a stable state. It has always depended on other countries for funds to run its economy. "This August Riyadh sent another $3 billion to the State Bank of Pakistan as blood transfusion, making the total debt $8 billion in addition to $1.2 billion in deferred payment for oil supply facility. Islamabad is waiting for America to ease the pressure of $10 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The total external debt of Pakistan is nearly $140 billion, of which $70 billion is to China. Its total internal and external debt of near $300 billion adds up to nearly 70 per cent of GDP. Pakistan is saved by a Saudi drip feed," said Akbar. Kashmir is Pakistan’s fixation but Indians know that Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so.

Mecca pact may demand Pakistan to send forces to Yemen the south of Saudi Arabia to Somalia and perhaps farther south to Sudan later, which depletes Islamabad's strength on the Indian border.

Mecca Pact: Why Pakistan may have emerged weaker in the conflict with India. WION DECODES

Bangladesh is weighing whether to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, as Dhaka reassesses its strategic and economic priorities amid shifting regional dynamics. Any decision, officials say, will be guided by Bangladesh’s national interests.

Egypt is also weighing whether to join a new defence pact focused on protecting Mecca, as regional countries explore stronger security cooperation. The move could have wider implications for Middle East defence ties and regional stability.

Mecca Defence Pact: Dhaka weighs pact amid changing regional dynamics 

Will Pakistan Be Forced To Fight The Houthis? A Yemeni minister has warned that the country’s Houthi rebels are plotting to seize land along the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, potentially allowing them to further threaten the vital waterway. Will the Mecca Pact force Pakistan to go to war against the Houthis?


Mecca pact could force Pak into war against the Houthi march towards Bab al-Mandeb 

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