Pakistan sent four planeloads of weapons to Saudi-backed government in Yemen: Report

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   Pakistan Sends Weapons to Yemen as Mecca Pact Activates

   Pakistan reportedly delivered four planeloads of weapons to the Saudi-backed government in Yemen to halt major advances by the Houthi armed group. The shipments arrive alongside statements by military officials concerning the implementation of the Mecca Pact. Members of the pact, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, scheduled emergency talks to address Houthi attacks and engage the group. Meanwhile, Riyadh weighs military options as Prince Turki Al-Faisal stated that Saudi restraint is no longer operable, and Mohammed bin Salman declared that Saudi Arabia will not compromise on security.

   Why it matters

   The escalation follows mounting Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and a push by regional powers to activate the Mecca Pact. The defense pact committee was set to meet in Riyadh on October 5 to address the crisis. While Pakistani military advisors are deployed alongside Saudi counterparts to support the Yemeni government, analysts remain divided on whether military intervention or diplomacy offers a viable path forward.

   What is confirmed

   • Pakistan delivered four planeloads of weapons to the Saudi-backed government in Yemen to counter a Houthi advance.
   • The Mecca pact defense committee met in Riyadh following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
   • Pakistani military advisors are deployed with Saudi counterparts to support the Yemeni government.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Pakistan is set to play a broader direct combat support role in the escalating Saudi-led war against the Houthis.

   What to watch next

   • Outcomes and announcements from the emergency Mecca Pact talks on engaging the Houthis
   • Further confirmation of Pakistani or Turkish troop deployments to the region
   • Decisions by Riyadh regarding specific military options in Yemen
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. Middle East Eye — Pakistan sent four planeloads of weapons to Saudi-backed government in Yemen: Report
   2. Al Jazeera — Saudi Arabia not to compromise on security as Houthis choose ‘chaos’: MBS
   3. Reuters — Pakistan says Mecca pact members to hold emergency talks on engaging Houthis
   4. Dawn — Dar says Makkah defence pact committee to meet next week on Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
   5. Arab News — Arab Views: Saudi restraint is no longer operable, says Prince Turki Al-Faisal
   6. The Arab Weekly — Pakistan suggests talking to Houthis as Riyadh weighs military options
   7. South China Morning Post — As Saudi Arabia steps up war against Houthis, Pakistan set to play support role
   8. U.S. News & World Report — Turkey Says Mecca Pact Committee to Meet in Riyadh on October 5
   9. RealClearDefense — Between Entrapment and Abandonment: The Mecca Pact Faces Its First Serious Test
   10. www.middleeasteye.net — Pakistan sent four planeloads of weapons to Saudi-backed government in Yemen: Report | Middle East Eye
   11. www.thefridaytimes.com — Four Military Options In Yemen — None Works. Diplomacy Is The Only Way Out
   12. rtvonline.com — Pakistan Sends Four Cargo Planes Loaded with Weapons to ...
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