Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey Plan Emergency Military Talks Amid Houthi Escalation

Military chiefs from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are organizing an emergency meeting to coordinate military support for the kingdom. This development follows a direct appeal from Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti urging frontline soldiers to stay prepared to combat the Iran-backed Houthis.

During a gathering at the kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York on Thursday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan conferred with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Saudi state media reported that the trio focused on preparations for an urgent summit involving their military chiefs to evaluate support options for Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Makkah Defence Agreement, which dictates that aggression against any member is an attack on all.

The ministers issued a strong condemnation of assaults directed at Makkah as well as civilian and economic infrastructure within Saudi Arabia, while commending the efficiency of the Saudi armed forces.

In an unusual public address, Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan directed troops stationed on the front lines to maintain constant readiness, obey their leaders and field commanders, and strictly carry out directives. He emphasized that defending the nation and repelling attacks are paramount duties requiring total dedication.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition announced on Thursday that air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis, neutralizing threats aimed at the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu.