IRIA News

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Pakistan has confirmed that its military personnel are already present in Saudi Arabia, as the recently signed Mecca Joint Defense Agreement moves toward implementation amid intensifying Houthi missile and drone attacks against the Kingdom.

Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesman for Pakistan’s military, said Pakistani forces were operating in Saudi Arabia in multiple capabilities and domains. He did not disclose their numbers or specific capabilities, saying those details were classified.

The confirmation comes days after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye agreed to begin implementing their collective defense commitments and ensure the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia.

Chaudhry said Pakistani troops had been present in Saudi Arabia for decades through training, advisory, and other military roles. “The forces of Pakistan are already there. That I can share with you,” he said.

He added that the deployment had not “come out of a vacuum,” pointing to longstanding diplomatic, political and military ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed on August 7, 2026, commits the three countries to treat an armed attack against one member as an attack against all.

At an emergency meeting in Riyadh on October 5, the three countries agreed to move immediately toward practical implementation of the agreement and to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities for rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia. They also condemned attacks against Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities.

Chaudhry described Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi security as “absolute” but said any Pakistani military involvement would be defensive in nature. He declined to say whether Pakistani forces could participate in operations inside Yemen.

Turkiye Rules Out Offensive Operations

Turkiye is also assessing how it can support Saudi Arabia under the Mecca agreement, but Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on October 8 that the pact does not authorize offensive military operations.

Fidan said Turkish military officials were assessing Saudi Arabia’s needs and possible contributions, particularly in air defense, electronic warfare and technical support.

“Yemen’s legitimate government forces are already continuing the battle on the ground and Saudi Arabia is supporting them,” Fidan said. He stressed that Turkiye would not send troops into another country to conduct attacks.

The statement clarifies Ankara’s position as the alliance moves toward implementation. Fidan said preparations to submit the agreement to the Turkish parliament for approval had been completed, with the aim of sending it to parliament as soon as possible.

Turkiye and Pakistan have also backed efforts to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities as Houthi attacks have increasingly targeted civilian and economic infrastructure.

Houthi Attacks Expand Across Saudi Arabia

The confirmation of the Pakistani deployment comes as the Houthi campaign against Saudi Arabia intensifies.

Houthi forces claimed a new ballistic missile attack against King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 8. Explosions were reported in the Saudi capital, and the airport experienced major disruption, with flights delayed or canceled. The latest attack followed strikes on Riyadh and Abha airports that killed three people earlier this week.

Saudi Arabia also said its forces intercepted three Houthi ballistic missiles, including two headed toward Riyadh.

The attacks have increasingly focused on Saudi transportation and energy infrastructure. Houthi forces have threatened further strikes against Saudi oil facilities, while attacks have also targeted airports and military sites.

The escalation has prompted concerns over Saudi airspace and international air travel, with significant disruption reported at Riyadh airport.

Saudi-backed Forces Push Toward Bab al-Mandeb

The attacks are closely linked to a major Saudi-backed offensive inside Yemen. Yemeni government forces have launched Operation “Dawn of Yemen” against Houthi positions along the Red Sea coast and around the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The government forces have claimed advances around Mocha, Dhubab and other positions near Bab al-Mandeb, while Saudi forces have provided air support.

Saudi-led coalition forces have also carried out strikes against Houthi military targets in Hodeidah, including weapons storage sites and facilities linked to explosive boats and naval mines.

The fighting has brought the conflict closer to one of Yemen’s most important maritime routes. Bab al-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international shipping.

The Houthis have responded to the ground offensive with missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on airports, oil infrastructure and military targets.

First Test for Mecca Pact

The escalation is giving the Mecca defense agreement an immediate security role. Pakistan has now confirmed that its forces are already in Saudi Arabia, while Turkiye is assessing additional defensive and technical support.

Turkiye has drawn a clear distinction between helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory and participating in offensive operations inside Yemen.

With Houthi attacks reaching Riyadh and Saudi-backed forces advancing along Yemen’s western coast, the Mecca agreement is now moving from a political commitment toward practical military cooperation, while Turkiye continues to emphasize that its role will remain defensive.