Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Put Makkah Defence Pact to Test

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have escalated following a series of missile and drone attacks on southern Saudi Arabia. The strikes targeted cities including Abha, Jazan, Najran and Khamis Mushait, as well as economic and energy infrastructure, leaving 73 people injured, including women and children. Fires were reported at several facilities. The Houthis said the attacks were carried out in response to Saudi strikes in Yemen.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned that continued aggression against Saudi Arabia could trigger the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Asif said there should be no ambiguity that an armed attack on one member would be regarded as an attack on all three, and that Pakistan would honour the pact’s provisions. The agreement is now facing an important early test as regional hostilities intensify.