Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate defence pact, Pakistan says

Live updates

1. 43d ago

   Pakistan calls for activation of Mecca defense pact after Houthi drone threat

   Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated the "time has come" to activate the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The announcement follows the Tuesday interception of an explosive Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered the city's restricted airspace. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered full support for the kingdom's defense, Pakistan continues to maintain diplomatic efforts with Iran. This move signals a shift toward active military commitment under the pact to protect Saudi Arabia's sacred sites.

   Why it matters

   The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement binds Pakistan, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia. This pact comes under pressure as Houthi forces intensify missile and drone strikes against Saudi infrastructure. These regional tensions occur while the US and Iran remain in a state of war.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi air defense forces intercepted and destroyed an explosive Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday.
   • Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the time has come to activate the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
   • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered full support for the defense of Saudi Arabia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • President Donald Trump claims the US is hopefully toward the end of its war with Iran after direct talks with Tehran.
   • Recent events in Yemen could drag Saudi Arabia into a wider global conflict.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of military troop deployments by Pakistan or Turkiye to Saudi Arabia
   • Official response from the Saudi government regarding the activation of the Mecca pact
   • Updates on the status of US-Iran direct negotiations
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.timesnownews.com — Iran-US War Live: Trump Claims Direct Talks With Tehran, Says Conflict ‘Hopefully’ Nearing End
   2. theconversation.com — Houthi offensive in Yemen adds to fear that Iran war could escalate into a wider global conflict
   3. www.latestly.com — ‘Absolutely No Ambiguity’: Pakistan Reaffirms Saudi Defence Pact After Houthi Drone Intercept Near Mecca
   4. en.royanews.tv — Pakistan says "time has come" to activate Mecca pact after Houthi attack
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2. 44d ago

   Houthi strikes target Saudi air base as defense pact remains inactive

   Houthi forces intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a Monday barrage targeting King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait. Despite these escalations, Turkey and Pakistan have not announced military action under their defense pact with Riyadh. The instability has pushed oil prices higher following reports of Houthi strikes and Iranian attacks on ships in the Gulf. While Pakistan previously suggested the Mecca pact could be activated, the alliance currently remains inactive as Riyadh manages damage to its energy and military infrastructure.

   Why it matters

   The conflict centers on the Red Sea and Gulf regions, which serve as critical maritime chokepoints for global trade. Disruptions in these areas threaten to elevate oil prices for several months. The defense pact involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan was designed to provide regional security stability.

   What is confirmed

   • Houthi forces increased missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia.
   • Oil prices rose following Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia and Iranian attacks on ships in the Gulf.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Houthis fired dozens of missiles at King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait on Monday.
   • Intensified fighting around the Red Sea could elevate oil prices for months.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcements from Turkey or Pakistan regarding military activation of the defense pact
   • Further reports of Iranian naval activity in the Gulf
   • Saudi government updates on the operational status of King Khalid Air Base
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. time.com — How Escalating Attacks in Yemen Impact Global Oil Trade
   2. www.cnbc.com — Oil extends gains following Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia
   3. www.turkishminute.com — Houthi attacks intensify as Turkey-Saudi-Pakistan defense pact remains inactive
   4. www.newsweek.com — Saudi-Houthi War: 3 Scenarios For What Happens Next
   confidence 80%
3. 49d ago

   Pakistan Weighs Security Pact Activation After Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

   Pakistan has indicated that recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate a regional defence pact, though it later clarified that no specific military response has been discussed under the Mecca pact. The attacks wounded 73 people and ignited fires at Saudi oil facilities, leading Riyadh to halt energy sites near Yemen. While Pakistan has warned Iran to restrain the Houthis, it maintains there are no plans to expand the defensive alliance involving Turkey and Saudi Arabia. India has condemned the strikes, citing threats to the freedom of navigation.

   Why it matters

   The Mecca pact is a security alliance between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. This agreement creates a mutual defence framework often compared to a Muslim version of NATO. Escalating clashes in Yemen now test the credibility and operational triggers of this pact.

   What is confirmed

   • Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia wounded 73 people and caused fires at oil facilities.
   • Saudi Arabia halted operations at energy sites located near Yemen following the attacks.
   • Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are members of a defensive security alliance.
   • India condemned the Houthi strikes on Saudi oil installations.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Saudi Arabia launched 10 strikes on Yemen's Taiz province according to Houthi media.
   • Pakistan warned Iran to rein in the Houthis as Riyadh strikes back.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of whether the Mecca pact's mutual defence clauses are formally triggered
   • Further diplomatic communications between Pakistan and Iran regarding Houthi activity
   • Saudi Arabia's decision on when to resume operations at halted energy sites
   Sources used for this update (24)

   1. CNN — Scores wounded as Iran-backed Houthis attack Saudi Arabia, military says
   2. Bloomberg.com — Saudi Arabia Says Energy Sites Near Yemen Halted After Attacks
   3. AP News — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia ignite fires at oil facilities and wound 73 people, officials say
   4. Bloomberg.com — Pakistan Pledges to Honor Security Pact If Saudi Arabia Attacked
   5. Al Jazeera — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate defence pact, Pakistan says
   6. Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: Pakistan warns Iran to rein in Houthis as Riyadh strikes back
   7. The New York Times — Yemen Tilts Toward Full-Scale War as Saudi-Houthi Clashes Escalate
   8. Reuters — Saudi says no danger after Khamis Mushait alert amid clashes with Houthis
   9. Bloomberg.com — How Yemen’s Houthis Are Raising the Stakes in the Iran War
   10. Al Jazeera — Fighting escalates in Yemen; Houthi attacks trigger alerts in Saudi Arabia
   11. Al Jazeera — The Houthis are testing the limits of Saudi restraint
   12. The Times of Israel — Houthi media says Saudi Arabia launched 10 strikes on Yemen’s Taiz province
   confidence 90%