Houthi rebels have intensified drone attacks on cities and oil infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia. The attacks have drawn attention to the response from Pakistan and Turkey, which recently entered into the “Mecca Joint Agreement” with Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, an attack on any one of the three countries is to be treated as an attack on all three.
Pakistan had earlier stated that it would take action under the agreement if Saudi Arabia came under attack. This led to reports that Pakistan could launch strikes against Houthi positions. However, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry later clarified that no such military action was currently taking place and said any response would be taken in accordance with the agreement when the appropriate time comes.
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has indicated that the agreement could be activated if the attacks on Saudi Arabia escalate and pose a serious threat to regional security. For now, however, Pakistan and Turkey have not taken direct military action against the Houthis, despite the continuing attacks on Saudi territory.
