**Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Could Activate Defence Pact, Pakistan Says**
*Published On 9 Sep 2026*
In light of recent missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi group on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that such aggression could trigger the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. Asif made these comments during an interview with Pakistani media outlet Geo News, emphasizing that any unprovoked aggression against Saudi Arabia would activate the terms of the agreement.
The Houthi attacks, which occurred on September 8, resulted in at least 73 injuries in southern Saudi Arabia. This escalation comes amid ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the Iran-aligned Houthis are engaged in fighting against forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August 2026, commits the three nations to collective deterrence against any acts of aggression. The agreement is structured similarly to NATO's principle of collective defense, which states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. However, the specific mechanisms for implementing this pact remain unclear.
Asif reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the agreement, stating, "There should be no doubt about that. We are bound by the terms and conditions of this pact, and we will honour them in case there is a need." This statement underscores the seriousness with which Pakistan views the situation, particularly given the heightened regional tensions influenced by Iran's growing military capabilities and the ongoing conflict involving Israel.
The military capabilities of the three nations involved in the agreement are significant. According to the 2026 Global Firepower Index, they collectively maintain approximately 1.4 million active troops, around 3,400 military aircraft, 6,000 tanks, and over 340 naval assets.
In response to the Houthi attacks, Saudi Arabia has conducted airstrikes across various regions in Yemen, targeting areas in the Marib, al-Jawf, and Taiz governorates. Reports from Houthi-run Al Masirah TV indicated that Saudi warplanes carried out multiple strikes, although there has been no immediate comment from Saudi forces regarding these operations.
The recent hostilities represent a notable escalation in the conflict, marking the most significant violence since a United Nations-brokered truce was established in 2022. The war in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015. While there were hopes that the truce would lead to a lasting political resolution, those efforts have stalled amid rising regional tensions, particularly related to the United States and Israel's actions towards Iran.
The conflict resumed in July 2026 when Yemeni government forces targeted the Houthi-controlled airport in Sanaa, preventing an Iranian aircraft from landing. Following this, the Houthis launched a major offensive, attempting to advance through regions such as western Taiz and southern Hodeidah, aiming for strategic locations like the port city of al-Makha and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a critical maritime corridor for shipping between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and its significance has increased for Saudi oil exports, particularly as Iran has restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions. The Houthis have declared a blockade against Saudi vessels in this vital waterway, further complicating the already volatile situation.
As the situation develops, the implications of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement and the potential for increased military cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye remain to be seen. The international community continues to monitor the conflict closely, as the humanitarian crisis in Yemen deepens and regional stability hangs in the balance.