A collective-security pact that had existed without active military coordination is being put into operation as fighting in Yemen escalates. On October 4, 2026, Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi announced a strategic offensive operation against the Houthis.
The following day, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey activated collective deterrence measures after an emergency meeting in Riyadh of the Mecca defence pact’s Strategic Political and Defense Committee.
The countries agreed to activate their collective defence commitments and immediately carry out measures under the Makkah Defense Alliance. They also agreed to rapidly deploy military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s defence minister said the committee had reaffirmed the three countries’ solidarity in confronting attacks against Saudi Arabia and Islamic holy sites. Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said the agreement covered the rapid deployment of forces and capabilities.
Public statements left major details unresolved, including the forces involved and the role they will play. They gave no timetable for the deployments, identified no units and did not set out the operational objectives or the extent of any direct combat role for Pakistani and Turkish personnel.
The meeting came amid a widening campaign in Yemen. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces reported recapturing the port of Mokha on October 5, 2026. Military spokesman Majed al-Nuzaili said they had also captured Dhubab airport and cut the road linking Dhubab to Mokha.
At the same time, the Houthis captured Turbah, a town on the main road between Taiz and Aden. The Houthi HOCC agency warned airlines that Saudi airspace was unsafe for civilian flights.
Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, the Saudi-led coalition spokesperson, said 100 fighter jets were taking part in Operation Yemen Dawn. He said the operation had destroyed 324 ‘high-value’ Houthi targets.
Houthi forces have controlled Sanaa since 2014. Yemen’s armed forces announced implementation of a strategic offensive operation on Sanaa on October 5, 2026.
The United States is supporting Saudi operations through intelligence sharing, planning assistance and aerial refuelling. About 200 US advisers are working in Saudi planning and operations centres, including on targeting.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on October 5, 2026 that Saudi Arabia had a right to defend itself against Houthi attacks.
The alliance also moved to build a structure for the response. Retired Lt. Gen. Numan Mahmud of Pakistan was appointed the alliance’s first secretary-general for a 3-year term, part of an effort to establish its institutional framework.
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