Turkey and Pakistan Deploy Forces to Defend Saudi Arabia
Turkey and Pakistan are deploying military forces to Saudi Arabia following Houthi missile attacks on airports and energy infrastructure under a trilateral defense pact.
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is receiving military reinforcements from Turkey and Pakistan following a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks on October 6 and 7. The strikes targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, killing three people and injuring 36. The attacks caused significant aviation disruptions, including flight suspensions by Lufthansa and Air India, and damaged a medical clinic and a kindergarten in Riyadh.
These deployments are triggered by the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed in August 2026, which establishes that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Pakistan has already confirmed the presence of troops in Saudi Arabia to enhance collective deterrence. Turkey is providing air defense systems, anti-drone technology, and electronic warfare support to protect Riyadh and the East-West pipeline. However, Turkish support remains bilateral until the Turkish parliament ratifies the pact, which is expected later this month.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan explicitly ruled out participating in offensive operations, stating that Turkey will not send troops into another country's territory to carry out attacks. In response to the escalation, a Saudi-led coalition intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and struck over 80 Houthi military sites across Yemen, including Hodeidah airport. While Syria evaluated potential support, it later rejected reports that it was deploying troops to Yemen.
