Pakistan, Turkey take a role in Yemen's war

Key Points:

• Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have agreed to activate the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, pledging mutual defense against attacks, with Turkey and Pakistan committing to deploy military forces rapidly in Saudi Arabia amid escalating conflict with Yemen's Houthi militia.
• The alliance appointed retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as its first secretary-general to oversee operations, signaling a move from planning to practical military cooperation.
• Turkey's involvement remains cautious due to its NATO membership and domestic political opposition, emphasizing dialogue alongside military options, while the Turkish parliament has yet to approve the agreement.
• Pakistan maintains a supportive but limited role, wary of escalating tensions with Iran, as direct combat involvement could compromise its neutral mediator status in the US-Iran conflict and strain Tehran relations.
• The deployment risks strengthening Houthi resolve and recruitment, as foreign military presence in Yemen is likely to be used by the Houthis to galvanize local support against perceived external enemies.