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// DOSSIER — pakistan-weighs-airstrikes-houthi-rebels-mecca-defense-pact
Pakistan Weighs Airstrikes Against Houthis Under New Mecca Defense Pact
REL_TIME: 10 Sep 2026 13:12Z · LANG: EN
Pakistan is evaluating a formal request from Saudi Arabia to conduct airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen following a significant escalation in regional hostilities. The potential military intervention is framed by the 'Mecca Joint Defense Agreement,' a trilateral pact signed in August 2026 between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, which mandates collective defense if any member faces aggression. While Pakistan has delivered a stern warning to Iran to restrain its Houthi allies, Islamabad remains in a delicate position, balancing its defensive obligations to Riyadh against the risks of entering a foreign conflict and disrupting its ties with Tehran.
// Background
The current escalation follows the collapse of a 2022 ceasefire in July 2026, triggered by Saudi strikes on Sanaa International Airport. This reignited the conflict between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthis. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing U.S.-Iran war that began in February 2026. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed on August 7, 2026, created a new security architecture uniting Turkey's NATO-standard military, Pakistan's nuclear capabilities, and Saudi Arabia's financial and regional influence.
// Key Developments
- Pakistan considers airstrikes in Yemen's Saada province to 'clear' Houthi forces at Saudi Arabia's request.
- The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed August 7, 2026, may be activated for the first time following Houthi attacks on Saudi soil.
- Houthi drone and missile strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure and cities injured 73 people on September 8.
- Pakistan delivered a Saudi-backed warning to Iran, urging Tehran to rein in the Houthis to prevent a wider regional crisis.
- Saudi Arabia has already conducted retaliatory strikes in Yemen, including the bombing of a prison in al-Jawf that killed at least 23 people.
- The conflict is unfolding against the backdrop of a broader U.S.-Iran war and maritime blockades in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
// Timeline
-
Renewed war begins following Saudi strikes on Sanaa International Airport to enforce a blockade.
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey sign the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement in Saudi Arabia.
-
Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of carrying out airstrikes and cruise missile attacks across four Yemeni provinces.
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Major Houthi drone and missile wave targets Saudi energy facilities and cities, injuring 73 people.
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Pakistan delivers a warning to Iran; Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirms the Mecca Pact could be activated.
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Reports emerge that Pakistan is weighing a formal Saudi request to conduct airstrikes in Yemen's Saada province.
// Perspectives
[Pakistan]
Prepared to honor defensive obligations to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Pact but cautious about offensive ground operations in Yemen.
[Saudi Arabia]
Seeking active military support from trilateral allies to counter Houthi strikes on energy infrastructure and enforce maritime security.
[Ansar Allah (Houthis)]
Maintaining a blockade on Saudi shipping and conducting strikes as retaliation for Saudi-led blockades and airstrikes.
[Iran]
Denies direct control over Houthi actions while allegedly providing coordination and weapons to pressure the U.S. and its allies.
[United Nations]
Warning that a return to large-scale fighting will have grave consequences for civilians and derail political settlements.
// Quotes
“If there is unprovoked aggression, or a spillover of whatever is happening in Yemen into Saudi Arabia, definitely the Mecca agreement will become operational.”
“An aggression on one country will be considered an aggression on all three countries.”
“Iran does not control the Houthis.”
