Saudi Defense Minister Announces Activation of Collective Deterrence Against Attacks on the Kingdom Within Mecca Alliance Framework

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman announced today, Monday, the activation of collective deterrence against attacks on the Kingdom within the framework of the Mecca Alliance.

Bin Salman wrote via his account on the "X" platform: "Activation of collective deterrence against attacks on the Kingdom and the Holy Sites within the framework of the Mecca Alliance."

He added: "The meeting of the Mecca Alliance committee affirmed that our countries stand as one hand and activated collective deterrence against aggression on the Kingdom."

A joint statement issued after the emergency meeting of the Political and Defense Strategic Committee of the Mecca Defense Alliance stated: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Turkey held an emergency meeting of the Political and Defense Strategic Committee of the Mecca Defense Alliance in Riyadh today to discuss security developments and threats facing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

The statement added: "The member countries condemned in the strongest terms the attempt to target Mecca and Medina, and the continuation of attacks targeting cities and civilian and economic facilities in the Kingdom, affirming their categorical rejection of any aggression or threat to the Kingdom's security and territorial integrity."

It continued: "The committee decided to immediately move to the practical implementation of mutual defense commitments, taking the necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon forces and military capabilities and deploy them quickly in the Kingdom, according to approved arrangements and national legislation of the member countries, which enhances readiness, military integration, and collective capability to face and counter threats."

The committee reviewed the results of political and military consultations preceding the meeting and approved the recommendations submitted to it, confirming that the Mecca Defense Alliance embodies a firm commitment to mutual defense and a unified stance in the face of threats.

The member countries affirmed that the security of "each member state is an integral part of the collective security of the three states, and translating the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement into practical actions embodies the credibility of the commitment to mutual defense, enhances the effectiveness of deterrence, and confirms the unity of the three states and their determination to defend their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement."

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had indicated last week that this emergency meeting would pay special attention to discussing ways to counter recent Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory.

These developments are gaining increasing momentum coinciding with the launch by the Yemeni government, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, of a large-scale military campaign yesterday, Sunday, aimed at reclaiming territories still under the control of the Houthi group.