Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye Activate Makkah Defense Pact

The Government of Saudi Arabia, the Government of Pakistan, and the Government of Türkiye activated collective defense measures under the Makkah Alliance for Defense on October 5, 2026. The decision followed an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee in Riyadh, triggered by approximately 18 Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi civilian, economic, and strategic infrastructure, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Under the pact signed on August 7, which stipulates that an attack on one member is an attack on all, Pakistan and Türkiye agreed to the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to the Kingdom. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif noted that while Saudi forces lead combat operations, Pakistani and Turkish forces already maintain a presence in supportive and reconnaissance roles. To operationalize the alliance, the committee appointed retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary-General for a three-year term to lead a permanent secretariat in Riyadh.

This military escalation coincides with a major Saudi-backed offensive in Yemen to reclaim territory from Houthi forces, including the capture of Mocha. The United States government provided intelligence and targeting support for these bombing campaigns, with Donald Trump authorizing the dispatch of 100 military advisors to prevent adversaries from controlling maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Bab al-Mandab. While the alliance considers political engagement suggested by Iran, member states have reaffirmed their commitment to collective deterrence.