Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye pledge collective defense

Defense officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to the Makkah Defence Alliance to protect the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia. The trilateral agreement, signed last month, establishes a framework for collective deterrence, stipulating that an armed attack against one member is regarded as an attack against all.

During a meeting of the chiefs of defense forces in Riyadh, officials reviewed security threats following recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targeting civilian, economic, and religious infrastructure, including the Holy City of Makkah. The participants discussed enhancing intelligence sharing, military coordination, and capability integration to translate the agreement into effective military cooperation.

In a related development, Pakistan has appointed former Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary-general of the trilateral alliance. Saudi officials also emphasized the need for regional stability based on mutual respect and international law, while asserting the kingdom's right to protect its national resources and citizens.