The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, announced on Saturday that Saudi Arabia may have military needs due to the ongoing attacks by the Houthis from Yemen, and Turkey is ready to respond to these needs within the framework of a trilateral defense agreement with Pakistan.
Houthi Attacks and Saudi Military Needs
Fidan stated in an interview with a television network: "We are witnessing serious attacks on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia. We have an agreement in this regard and we have serious solidarity on this matter... They may have some military needs, especially in certain technical issues. We will have no problem in meeting these needs."
The Houthis, who control the populous areas of Yemen, have launched attacks on Saudi Arabia since announcing a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. These attacks have damaged cities, energy infrastructure, and transportation in Saudi Arabia and pose a threat to global oil supplies and the main export route of the Gulf.
International Reactions and Current Situation
The U.S. government, which had previously rejected Saudi requests for military support against the Houthis, accepted a ceasefire after two months of Houthi bombardments last year. Fidan further emphasized that "there are many initiatives, but the parties must accept them. There are new proposals, and I hope they will accept them. Otherwise, the crisis will no longer be bearable."
Turkey, which has the second-largest army in NATO, has stated that this agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters, is expanding and does not intend to replace any existing alliances.
Pakistan has also stated that there has been no discussion regarding a military response to the Houthi attacks under the Mecca agreement, but has clarified that it will act at the appropriate time.
The Houthis indicated on Saturday that they have attacked "sensitive" points in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, with missiles and drones, and a large plume of smoke has been observed near the city's main airport. Turkey condemned these attacks and called for their immediate cessation.
