Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Türkiye agree to deploy military capabilities under Makkah defense alliance
By The South Asia Times
RIYADH - Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to move immediately toward implementing collective defense commitments under the Makkah Alliance for Defense, including the deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in the Kingdom, according to a joint statement issued Monday.
The decision was announced after an emergency meeting of the alliance’s Strategic-Political and Defense Committee in Riyadh, convened to address security threats and recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
The three countries said the agreed forces and capabilities would be deployed rapidly in Saudi Arabia under arrangements approved by the parties and in accordance with their respective national laws.
The move is intended to strengthen military readiness, integration and the three countries’ collective ability to respond to threats.
The meeting also marked an institutional development for the Makkah Alliance, with the committee appointing retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as its first secretary-general for a three-year term.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye condemned what they described as attempted attacks targeting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as continuing attacks against Saudi cities and civilian and economic infrastructure.
They reaffirmed their “unequivocal rejection” of attacks or threats against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
Pakistan and Türkiye also praised the Saudi Armed Forces for their vigilance, readiness and professionalism in responding to the threats facing the Kingdom.
The committee reviewed political and military consultations held ahead of the emergency meeting and approved recommendations presented to it.
The three governments said the Makkah Alliance represents a commitment to collective defense and a unified response to threats.
They further affirmed that the security of each member is part of the collective security of all three countries, saying implementation of the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defense would strengthen deterrence and demonstrate their commitment to defending their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
