Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of its troops to Saudi Arabia, amid an escalation of the conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels. Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the chief of the Pakistani military's media wing, told CNN that Pakistani forces are already stationed in Saudi Arabia, although he did not specify their numbers or capabilities. This confirmation comes as the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, continue to launch cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia, including deadly assaults on airports.
The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015, with the Houthi rebels controlling much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa. The rebels have been at war with the internationally recognized Yemeni government and a Saudi-led coalition. Recently, the conflict has flared up, with Houthi missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities and tankers. Riyadh has responded with airstrikes in support of Yemeni government forces. The targeting of airports in Saudi Arabia has prompted an updated security alert from the US Mission in Saudi Arabia.
The deployment of Pakistani forces to Saudi Arabia is part of a newly minted mutual defense treaty between the two countries and Turkey. The treaty, often referred to as the Mecca Alliance, includes NATO-style collective defense provisions. Chaudhry described the alliance as a mechanism for collective defense, under which an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all. He emphasized that Pakistan's commitment to Saudi security was "absolute."
The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for recent attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia, including the Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport. The attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, including two female residents killed in the Abha airport attack. The rebels have also used ballistic missiles to target the international airport in Aden, which serves as the seat of Yemen's internationally recognized government.
The escalation of the conflict has coincided with Saudi moves to strengthen defense cooperation with regional military heavyweights, including Turkey and Pakistan. The trio recently signed a pact with collective defense provisions. Chaudhry said the collective security agreement would also act as a deterrent, hoping that it would prevent further attacks. He added that Pakistan was still pushing for a deal to end the US-Iran war.
The conflict in Yemen has shown signs of expanding beyond the battlefield, posing a growing challenge to Saudi security and transportation networks. The Houthi rebels have seized effective control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key waterway for the global oil trade. However, Yemeni government forces have claimed to have retaken some positions. The hostilities have resulted in renewed attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The situation remains complex, with Pakistan playing a key role in mediating between Iran and the US. Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan's objective was the defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added that any involvement of Pakistani troops would be "defensive in nature." The international community remains concerned about the escalation of the conflict, with the US Mission in Saudi Arabia warning American citizens of the potential for further attacks.
Key points
- Pakistan confirms troop deployment to Saudi Arabia amid Yemen conflict escalation.
- Houthi rebels claim responsibility for recent attacks on Saudi airports.
- Conflict escalation poses growing challenge to Saudi security and transportation networks.
