Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have agreed to enhance their military and intelligence cooperation in response to escalating attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces targeting Saudi Arabia. This decision was made during a meeting of the chiefs of staff from the three countries’ armed forces in Riyadh, where they discussed bolstering support for Saudi Arabia and improving coordination under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which was signed in August.
The military officials reviewed the regional security situation and decided to strengthen the integration of their defensive capabilities. They reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense and emphasized the importance of protecting Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. This meeting comes amid a surge in Houthi attacks against Saudi-linked interests and infrastructure, as well as assaults on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have heightened regional security concerns.
Furthermore, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a separate meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, to discuss the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and explore ways to fortify joint defense measures. The discussions underscored the urgency of translating the defense agreement into practical military and security cooperation among the three nations.
Under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, an armed attack against any of the three countries is to be regarded as an attack against all, thus necessitating a unified response. The agreement also calls for expanded defense cooperation and the establishment of stronger collective deterrence mechanisms.
This trilateral meeting represents a significant effort by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye to operationalize the defense agreement and address the increasing threats posed by Houthi forces in the region.