Turkey Offers Military Support to Saudi Arabia as Houthi Militia Attacks Continue

Amid ongoing Houthi Militia attacks, Turkey has expressed readiness to assist Saudi Arabia with military requirements under the trilateral defence pact with Pakistan.

On Saturday Hakan Fidan Foreign Minister of Turkey, said that Saudi Arabia was facing serious attacks against its territory and sovereignty. He said Turkey stood in solidarity with Riyadh and was prepared to provide support, particularly in technical areas.

“We see there are very serious attacks on Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Fidan told broadcaster NTV. He added that Turkey would have no issue meeting Saudi Arabia’s military needs if required.

The defence agreement, known as the Makkah Defence Alliance, was signed last month by Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. According to the pact, any armed attack on one member country will be considered as an attack on all three nations.

The speech comes as Houthi attacks in contradiction of Saudi Arabia continue. The group has under attack Saudi cities, energy facilities and shipping, rising distresses about oil supplies and regional trade.

Fidan said Saudi Arabia should not be dragged into the wider US-Iran conflict, stressing that Riyadh did not want to become part of the war. He also said several proposals had been presented to the parties to help end the fighting.

According to Fidan, the economic impact of the conflict had now reached a level that was becoming difficult to tolerate.

Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest military, has said the Makkah alliance could be expanded and was not intended to replace existing defence partnerships.

Pakistan has said there have been no discussions about a military response from Islamabad under the agreement following the Houthi attacks. However, Pakistani officials have said the country would act when the “time comes.”

Earlier Saturday, the Houthis claimed they had targeted what they called sensitive sites in Riyadh with missiles and drones, after flames and heavy smoke were reported near the Saudi capital’s main airport.

Turkey has condemned the Houthi attacks and called for them to end immediately.