The Iran-backed Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia this week. This has been deemed the first test of the new alliance that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan initiated in August. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, as it is being called, was formed to strengthen deterrence against any acts of aggression.
After its creation, a meeting in Turkey sought to form the framework for the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement. The three countries then crafted the role of a permanent secretariat, which is supposed to be in Saudi Arabia.
“The move gives institutional shape to an alliance built around collective deterrence and regional responsibility. A mechanism for other countries to join the group was already underway, officials said,” Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN) reported on September 3.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke about the importance of the new pact when he went to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Kyrgyzstan, referring to “collective deterrence.”
Currently, people are wondering whether Pakistan or Turkey will respond to the Houthi attacks. Historically, both countries have been wary of any conflict with Iran. Unlike them, Saudi Arabia has been very critical of the Islamic Republic.
Turkish MFA condemns attack in the strongest terms
Saudi Arabia has, in fact, been fighting the Iran-backed Houthis since 2015. Over the past few months, the Houthi threat has increasingly worsened. Despite this, Riyadh apparently believes that Yemen’s troops can repel the Houthis.
On September 8, Turkey’s Foreign Affairs Ministry strongly condemned the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. Turkey also reaffirmed its support for the kingdom.
“These attacks undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the conflict in Yemen to an end through a lasting political solution,” the ministry said.
Turkey then called on the Houthis to cease their aggression. These statements, however, do not mean that Turkey plans to join Saudi Arabia in its fight against them.
Currently, Turkey has military assets near the area because it has been operating in Somalia. Notably, in late August, Turkey freed sailors from Somali pirates.
Pakistani PM condemns Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia
“Turkish and Somali forces have freed the MV LUTUF after pirates hijacked the vessel off the coast of Somalia. The 10-day operation killed 14 alleged pirates and destroyed four boats used by the attackers,” Deutsche Welle (DW) reported in late August.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said: “I condemn, in the strongest terms, the cowardly attack by Houthis targeting civilian and energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have left many people wounded.”
He added that “Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.
The premier also noted that “such dastardly attacks threaten innocent lives as well as regional peace and security. We reaffirm our steadfast support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and pray for the swift recovery of all who were injured.”
Turkiye Today reported: “Pakistan is likely to carry out airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen at Saudi Arabia’s request, according to Pakistani sources speaking to Turkiye Today. A source noted that the attacks may take place soon and will be made public shortly afterward.”
The report noted that “one of the military priorities for the Pakistani attacks would be to clear the Houthis from Saadah, along with other regions, according to one Pakistani source. However, a final decision on attacking Yemen’s Houthis has not been made.”
If the regional alliance acts against the Houthis, it will show that its pact has power.
This situation will likely be closely monitored by other countries, such as India, Israel, and Greece. This is due to the pact’s regional implications. The three countries may want to expand the pact beyond its initial premise. However, if they are unable to deter the Houthis, then their speeches about deterrence are rendered moot.