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[INTERNATIONAL] · Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Yemen · 64 sources

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Pakistan warns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate Mecca Pact

Following a series of Houthi missile and drone strikes on southern Saudi Arabian cities—including Abha, Jizan, Najran, and Khamis Mushait—that reportedly wounded at least 73 people, Pakistan has signaled that the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement could be activated.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the pact, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. He warned that the agreement would become operational if unprovoked aggression or the Yemen conflict spills into Saudi Arabian territory. While some reports suggest Islamabad is weighing potential airstrikes against Houthi positions in Saada, Yemen, other officials have clarified that any military involvement would be limited to defending Saudi territory and that the pact is a defensive, not offensive, alliance.

In a diplomatic move, Pakistan has also conveyed a message from Saudi Arabia to Iran, urging Tehran to use its influence to restrain Houthi attacks. While an Iranian official confirmed receiving the message, some reports suggest Tehran previously promised support to the Houthi movement. The escalation has raised significant concerns regarding regional stability and the potential for a wider proxy conflict in the Middle East.

Entities

Houthi militia · Houthis · Khawaja Asif · Makkah Defence Pact · Pakistan · Pakistan · Saudi Arabia · Saudi Arabia · Shehbaz Sharif · Turkey · Turkey · Türkiye

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1 day ago