Saudi Allies Rally as Houthi Attacks Intensify
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan are preparing an urgent high-level military meeting under their joint defence pact as Yemen’s Houthis intensify missile and drone attacks against the kingdom. The escalation has raised concerns over Saudi oil exports, Red Sea shipping and wider regional security.
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan Invoke Defence Pact
The foreign ministers of the three countries met under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement and condemned attacks targeting Mecca and other civilian locations.
They also began preparations for an urgent meeting of their military chiefs to discuss possible support for Saudi Arabia.
The agreement, signed in August, establishes a collective defence framework under which an attack against one member is treated as an attack against all three.
Houthis Launch Missiles and Drones at Saudi Arabia
The Houthis said they launched dozens of missiles and drones towards Saudi targets on Thursday. Saudi authorities said air defences intercepted six ballistic missiles.
Emergency alerts were issued for Mecca, Jeddah and Yanbu, the kingdom’s main Red Sea oil port.
The attacks have intensified pressure on Saudi Arabia as Houthi operations also disrupt shipping near the Red Sea, while regional tensions have already affected global oil and maritime trade.
Iran Distances Itself From Houthi Attacks
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to distance Tehran from the latest attacks, saying the Houthis were responsible for their own actions.
Iran has longstanding political and military ties with the Yemeni movement, although the extent of Tehran’s direct operational control remains disputed.
The escalation comes as Iran and the United States pursue mediated diplomatic efforts aimed at ending their wider conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
