Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye have activated collective-defence commitments, agreeing to deploy military capabilities as regional tensions and threats against the Kingdom persist…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to immediately activate collective-defence commitments under their Mecca Defence Alliance, including the swift deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities to the Kingdom amid escalating regional security threats.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the alliance’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh, where senior officials reviewed the security situation facing Saudi Arabia amid the wider regional conflict involving Iran and allied armed groups.
The Mecca Defence Alliance was established under an agreement signed by the three countries on August 7, with the latest move marking a significant step towards putting its collective-security provisions into operation.
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the emergency meeting demonstrated the three countries’ solidarity and unified position in responding to attacks against Saudi Arabia and the Islamic holy sites.
The meeting, he said, was aimed at “activating collective deterrence” against attacks targeting the Kingdom and those responsible for them within the framework of the Mecca Defence Alliance.
Under the new arrangements, member states will provide forces and military capabilities for deployment in Saudi Arabia in accordance with agreed plans and the laws of each country.
The three governments said the measures were designed to improve military readiness, integration and their collective ability to respond to security threats.
The Strategic Political and Defence Committee reviewed the results of political and military consultations and approved recommendations reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to collective defence and a coordinated response to threats against its members.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye also condemned attacks or attempted attacks targeting Mecca and Madinah, as well as strikes against Saudi cities, civilian infrastructure and economic installations.
The three countries described any aggression or threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity as unacceptable and reaffirmed their opposition to attacks against the Kingdom.
Pakistan and Turkiye praised the Saudi Armed Forces for their readiness and vigilance, as well as their handling of the security threats facing the country.
The emergency meeting also advanced efforts to establish the alliance’s permanent institutional structure.
Retired Pakistani Lt Gen Numan Mahmud was appointed as the alliance’s first secretary-general for a three-year term. The three members welcomed the appointment and said they expected him to help develop the alliance and advance its stated objectives.
The members reaffirmed that the security of one country would be treated as an integral part of the security of all three, placing collective security at the centre of the pact.
The agreement to move from political commitments towards practical military arrangements comes as Saudi Arabia faces a wider security environment shaped by the conflict involving Iran and regional armed groups.
By agreeing to deploy forces and military capabilities under previously approved arrangements, Riyadh, Islamabad and Ankara are seeking to give the alliance a more operational role.
The three governments said implementing the Mecca Agreement would strengthen deterrence, demonstrate the credibility of their collective-defence commitments and reinforce their determination to protect their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
The alliance’s next phase will depend on how quickly the agreed military arrangements are implemented and how the three countries coordinate their forces as regional tensions continue.
