Pakistan denies involvement in Yemen military operations

Pakistan's Ministry of Information has denied reports claiming the country's air force is being used in military operations against Ansar Allah in Yemen. The ministry dismissed claims published by the New York Times as ‘fake and fabricated,’ urging international media to avoid speculation regarding the use of Pakistani forces under the ‘Makkah Joint Defense Alliance.’

The denial follows recent developments involving the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance, a pact signed on August 7 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The alliance aims to strengthen collective deterrence, treating an attack on one member as an attack on all. While the Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated that member nations have decided to enter the implementation phase of collective defense commitments to increase military integration, it has not confirmed specific combat deployments.

In Yemen, Ansar Allah has made rapid advances toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime passage for approximately 10 percent of global trade. Reports indicate that rival forces supported by Riyadh have faced internal divisions and defensive collapses during these advances. While Saudi Arabia has initiated airstrikes to reclaim lost territory and the United States is providing intelligence and logistical support, the effectiveness of efforts to contain Ansar Allah's movement remains uncertain.