Will Houthi Attacks Trigger Activation of the Mecca Pact?
As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, the Houthi rebels’ recent seizure of Yemen’s Mocha port has raised alarm bells regarding the security framework among Gulf states. This situation not only brings to the forefront the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan but also highlights the pressing need for regional powers to collaboratively navigate mounting threats and foster stability. With the evolving dynamics in the region, the potential for a united defense response is becoming increasingly critical.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have recently made significant strategic gains by capturing Mocha port, subsequently casting a shadow over the crucial maritime passage of the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Their aggressive actions have included attacks on several Saudi cities, resulting in injuries to approximately 70 individuals, including women and children. This situation heightens concerns around the implications for regional defense agreements, specifically the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which unites Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.
The context of these developments underscores the shifting security landscape in the Gulf. The United States, traditionally the main security partner for Gulf states, has indicated a shift towards encouraging regional countries to assume greater responsibility for their own defense. This pivot has left Gulf nations evaluating new security architectures, as the U.S. has struggled to provide comprehensive protection for its partners amidst recent conflicts.
Following the U.S.’s recalibrated approach, Saudi Arabia entered into a mutual defense agreement with Pakistan in September 2025, which expanded in August 2026 to include Turkey, forming what is now recognized as the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. This agreement marks a significant step toward collaborative security among these nations, with a secretariat established in Riyadh and Pakistan holding the chairmanship for the initial term of three years.
However, the Mecca Pact currently exists in a nascent stage. Essential elements, such as the conditions that would trigger military intervention and the specific mechanisms for collective defense, are still in development. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif of Pakistan has indicated that any unprovoked aggression against Saudi Arabia or a spillover of the Yemen conflict could necessitate the operationalization of the pact. While he refrained from specifying how this might manifest in practice, it underscores the seriousness of the situation.
The approach to operationalizing the Mecca Pact appears to echo NATO’s framework, where member states request specific types of assistance following an attack. For instance, in a prior incident, when Syria downed a Turkish warplane in 2012, Turkey invoked NATO’s Article 4 for consultation rather than demanding immediate military intervention. In a similar vein, if Saudi Arabia seeks assistance from its partners, the scale and form of military aid would require defined parameters through consultations.
Despite the high-stakes nature of these developments, Saudi Arabia has yet to invoke the Mecca Pact for a direct military response. In the meantime, diplomatic efforts to manage the threat posed by the Houthis have intensified. Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have engaged in discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an attempt to temper tensions.
Islamabad has publicly urged Iran to restrain Houthi aggressive actions that threaten Saudi security and has reiterated its commitment to Saudi defense through the Mecca Pact. Turkey is expected to play a crucial role in diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting stability among the parties involved.
If diplomacy does not yield positive results and Houthi aggressions persist, Turkey and Pakistan are likely to enhance their existing air and technological support to Saudi Arabia. Pakistan currently has an air squadron of JF-17 Thunder multirole aircraft and numerous troops stationed in Saudi Arabia. However, a direct military operation inside Yemen remains improbable due to the historical ramifications of Pakistan’s past military interventions, which make it hesitant to engage in another regional conflict.
Ultimately, the focus will likely remain on diplomatic pressure toward Iran and a push for a multinational naval coalition to secure the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Such a strategy would uphold the integrity of the Mecca Pact while promoting de-escalation in the region. As the new security framework takes time to solidify, Pakistan’s existing defense relationships with Saudi Arabia and its other Arab partners will continue to strengthen mutual security initiatives.
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