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[INTERNATIONAL] · Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Yemen · 6 sources

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Pakistan pledges unconditional military support to defend Saudi Arabia

Pakistan has pledged unconditional military and diplomatic support to Saudi Arabia in response to escalating Houthi rebel attacks. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, spokesperson for the Pakistani military, stated that Pakistan is prepared to go to any extent to defend the Kingdom, emphasizing that the security of the holy sites of Mecca and Medina is a top priority.

This commitment follows the signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement in August between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The pact, which functions similarly to NATO’s Article 5, stipulates that an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This comes as Houthi drones and missiles continue to strike Saudi territory, recently resulting in the death of a Yemeni citizen in Taif and injuring over 80 people.

While Pakistan maintains a substantial military presence in Saudi Arabia—including 8,000 troops and air-defense systems—the escalating conflict presents a critical test for the new alliance. Former US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster expressed skepticism regarding the pact, suggesting it may be largely symbolic and motivated by Saudi economic assistance to Pakistan.

Entities

Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry · Houthi rebels · Mecca · Pakistan · Pakistan · Pakistan Armed Forces · Saudi Arabia · Taif · Turkey

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