Houthis Strike Riyadh as Turkey and Pakistan Pledge Support

The Houthi movement launched a large-scale offensive against Saudi Arabia on September 19, 2026, utilizing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The attacks targeted the capital, Riyadh, for the first time, causing a fuel tank fire near King Khalid International Airport, and struck Aramco facilities in Yanbu. The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting the missile aimed at Riyadh and thwarting further strikes in Baish, Taif, and the Farasan Islands. The Houthis claimed the operations were retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Sana'a, including a strike on the city's international airport.

In response, Turkey and Pakistan invoked the Mecca Defence Alliance, a trilateral pact signed on August 7 that treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that Ankara is prepared to meet Saudi Arabia's military and technical needs, while Pakistan pledged to defend the kingdom physically. However, Pakistani officials expressed concern that deployment could provoke Iran and strain their domestic economy.

The escalation has disrupted global energy markets, pushing crude prices above $100 a barrel and forcing Aramco to suspend some supplies due to pipeline disruptions. Simultaneously, the Houthis seized strategic Red Sea locations, including the port city of Mokha and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, declaring a blockade on Saudi shipping. While the group warned Pakistan and Turkey against intervening, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti stated the Houthis have assured the Trump administration they will not target U.S. vessels. President Donald Trump confirmed discussions with the group, while Iran outlined conditions for resuming stalled negotiations with the United States to end the regional conflict.