Pakistani Fighter Jets in Saudi Arabia Used in Strikes Against Houthis
Pakistan Air Force jets are reportedly being used against the Houthis as the Mecca defence pact, signed in August, faces its first test.
Pakistan Air Force fighter jets deployed in Saudi Arabia have reportedly been used in strikes against Yemen-based Houthi forces following a surge in their missile and drone attacks.
Houthi Attacks and Military Moves
Pakistan Air Force fighter jets stationed in Saudi Arabia are reported to have been deployed in operations against Yemen-based Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting the kingdom.
These developments were confirmed by a senior Pakistani military official on Wednesday, following escalating attacks by the Yemen-based group against Saudi Arabia.
Mecca Defence Pact and Alliance Process
The presence of Pakistani forces in Saudi Arabia was established following the Mecca defence pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in August.
Under the terms of this pact, an attack on any of the three nations will be considered an attack on all three, triggering mutual defence commitments.
Pakistan's Military Role and Statements
Pakistani Military Spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that his country's military personnel are operating in multiple capacities and areas within Saudi Arabia.
Chaudhry stated that Pakistan's role in the conflict will be strictly defensive and that its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security is absolute.
Number of Personnel Serving Together
Colonel David O. Smith, a former US army attaché and Defense Intelligence Agency analyst, stated that the consensus among analysts is that approximately 8,000 Pakistani troops are deployed in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistani authorities have refrained from publicly disclosing the exact number of personnel on the ground and their precise locations.
Positions of Turkey and Other Nations
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized in a statement on Thursday that the pact is strictly defensive and does not grant Turkey the authority to attack other countries.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that while Pakistani and Turkish military assets are present in the region, currently only Saudi forces are participating in combat operations.
Emergency Meeting of the Mecca Alliance Committee
Following the intensification of Houthi attacks, the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Mecca Alliance held an emergency meeting in Riyadh on Monday.
Following the meeting, the committee announced that it would begin effectively implementing mutual defence commitments.