Turkey and Pakistan to Assist Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Threats but Will Avoid Direct Combat

In a notable development, Turkey and Pakistan have pledged to provide assistance to Saudi Arabia in light of recent assaults by the Houthi rebels from Yemen. This cooperation comes just two months after the signing of the Mecca mutual defense pact, which aims to bolster collective security among the three nations. On October 5, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman announced that the pact was being activated to counter the Houthi threat.

The agreement marks a significant commitment from both Pakistan and Turkey, as they promised to provide “agreed military forces and capabilities” for rapid deployment within Saudi Arabia. This collaboration occurred concurrently with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces launching a counteroffensive. Supported by approximately 100 coalition aircraft from Arab and allied nations, the Yemeni forces are actively working to reclaim the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which had been seized by Houthi forces in September.

Despite the formal backing of the pact, there had been growing skepticism regarding its effectiveness, as both Islamabad and Ankara had previously limited their responses to mere condemnations of the Houthi attacks. Analysts had begun to question the strength of the alliance, labeling it a potential ‘stress test’ that might fail if tangible action was not taken. However, the recent decision by both countries to deploy troops indicates that the pact has managed to withstand this initial test, albeit with a cautious approach.

While troops from Pakistan and Turkey are being sent to support Saudi Arabia, it is essential to note that they are not gearing up for direct combat with the Houthi rebels. Instead, they are poised to serve as a defensive presence, providing strategic support rather than engaging actively in the conflict. This approach aligns with the intent of the mutual defense pact, which emphasizes collective security without escalating military confrontation.

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East continues to evolve, and the involvement of Turkey and Pakistan in this context adds another layer of complexity. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on finding a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has seen devastating humanitarian impacts on its populace. The actions of the three nations will be closely observed, not just in terms of military strategy but also regarding their implications for broader regional stability.

Source: scroll.in