Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate defence pact, Pakistan says
Pakistan's Defence Minister stated that the 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' could be activated if Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia continue. The pact, signed by Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, functions similarly to a collective defense treaty.
Why it matters
The potential activation of this defense pact signals a significant escalation in regional military alliances and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says agreement between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia may be activated if Yemen’s Houthis continue targeting the kingdom.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info This screengrab taken from AFPTV video footage on September 9, 2026, shows a member of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces firing a heavy machinegun during clashes with Houthi fighters in the al-Kadha area, west of Taiz province, on September 8, 2026 [AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 9 Sep 2026 9 Sep 2026 Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said any attack on Saudi Arabia could activate the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement , days after Yemen’s Houthis launched a barrage of missiles at the kingdom.
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