Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are set to hold a critical meeting in Riyadh as tensions with the Houthi group intensify. This meeting is integral to discussions surrounding the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which aims to bolster regional security amidst escalating threats. A committee from the defence pact will convene on Monday to review recent developments and assess the implementation of military frameworks established by the agreement.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and Chief of General Staff General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu will represent Turkey, alongside representatives from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The meeting is particularly timely, occurring shortly after Yemen’s government announced a comprehensive military offensive aimed at reclaiming territory from the Iran-aligned Houthis.

This meeting also serves as a backdrop for evaluating the collective security response of the three nations in the face of direct threats. The pact, signed on August 7, underscores a commitment that an attack on any member is regarded as an attack on all signatories. Subsequent meetings have sought to lay the foundation for this cooperative security framework, with previous discussions held in Istanbul and Riyadh.

Recent Developments in Yemen

The escalation of conflict in Yemen has prompted urgent military strides from the internationally recognised government. On Sunday, President Rashad al-Alimi announced the launch of a major offensive to regain control of areas held by the Houthis, who have maintained dominance in the capital, Sanaa, and surrounding regions since 2014. This renewed military activity aims to dismantle what Al-Alimi termed a “”terrorist militia”” and confront the growing Houthi influence.

Furthermore, the Houthis have recently captured strategic positions, including key terrain in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This maritime chokepoint is vital for global shipping routes, thereby increasing the stakes in this conflict. Military analysts suggest that the ongoing hostilities represent not only a pivotal struggle for control within Yemen but also a broader contest involving regional powers.

Amid this rapid military escalation, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen is increasingly dire. The World Food Programme reported that approximately 75 per cent of families in certain areas of Yemen are experiencing hunger due to the renewed fighting and subsequent displacement of thousands of individuals from their homes.

Iran’s Proposal and Regional Dynamics

In a related development, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Iran has suggested engaging the Houthis via political dialogues as an alternative to military action. He clarified that this was not a formal proposal but rather a constructive idea intended to foster peaceful resolution of the conflict. This discussion will reportedly be on the agenda during the Riyadh meeting.

Dar also noted Iran’s purported distancing from the Houthis and other militias, expressing a desire from Iranian officials for a resolution to the ongoing tensions. Concurrently, Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s security, condemning Houthi attacks on the kingdom and voicing solidarity with Riyadh concerning the protection of Islamic sites.

Dar mentioned that over six nations have expressed interest in joining the Mecca pact; however, formal consideration of new memberships is contingent upon the pact becoming fully operational, a process which may take as long as a year. The upcoming meeting may also play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic landscape of the region.

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