"Makkah Alliance": Practical Implementation of Joint Defense Commitments Begins and Measures to Rapidly Deploy Military Forces in Saudi Arabia

- The strategic political and defense committee of the "Makkah Defense Alliance," which includes Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, announced the "immediate transition to the practical implementation of joint defense commitments," in addition to "taking necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon forces and military capabilities and their rapid deployment" in Saudi Arabia. This came after an emergency meeting held by the committee in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to discuss "security developments and threats facing the Kingdom," and in light of the recent escalation in Yemen between the government forces supported by Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi group.

The committee issued a statement published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), stating that it was decided to "take necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon forces and military capabilities and their rapid deployment in the Kingdom, according to the approved arrangements and national legislations of the member states, which enhances readiness, military integration, and collective capacity to confront and respond to threats," according to SPA. The three countries condemned "in the strongest terms the attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, and the continued attacks targeting cities and civilian and economic facilities in the Kingdom, affirming their absolute rejection of any aggression or threat to the Kingdom's security and territorial integrity."

The countries emphasized that "the security of each member state is an integral part of the collective security of the three countries, and translating the Makkah Agreement for joint defense into practical measures embodies the credibility of the commitment to joint defense, enhances deterrence effectiveness, and confirms the unity of the three countries and their determination to defend their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement." It was also decided to appoint "retired General Nauman Mahmood from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as the first Secretary-General for a period of three years," according to SPA.

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government announced on Sunday the start of a wide military operation aimed at repelling the advances made by the Iran-backed Houthi group in recent times. Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi stated in a televised speech on Sunday that the military operations aim to regain control of the territories still held by the Houthis and restore state authority across the country. The renewed fighting has already led to the displacement of tens of thousands from their homes, while upcoming developments may affect the balance of power in Yemen, as well as cause further disruption to maritime navigation through the Red Sea.

In early September, the Houthis took control of vast areas of the Yemeni coast along the Red Sea, extending southward to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is a vital passage for commercial ships heading towards the Indian Ocean. The Houthis announced that they would target Saudi ships attempting to cross the strait, threatening to impose additional pressures on global trade routes and energy transport pathways.

Since late July, the Houthis have launched ballistic missiles and drones towards multiple targets in Saudi Arabia, including industrial facilities and energy installations.