Turkey is sending technical and military support to Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to strengthen the country's defense against the Houthis in Yemen. This action has been shaped by new agreements between Turkey and Pakistan to fulfill collective defense commitments.
Defense Agreements Between Turkey and Pakistan
On Monday, Turkey and Pakistan announced that they would quickly implement their collective defense commitments and ensure the rapid deployment of forces and military capabilities in Saudi Arabia. This cooperation is particularly focused on military and technical assistance and includes the provision of military equipment, information exchange, and weapon systems.
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A Turkish official who requested anonymity emphasized that the expected support from Turkey mainly includes military equipment and information exchange, and no other deployments under this coalition have taken place so far.
Defensive and Operational Assistance
An American official who is informed about the matters stated that Turkey has so far decided to send primarily defensive capabilities. This assistance includes strategic planning support and logistical aid. Additionally, this support includes the provision of drone operators and assistance in optimizing defensive measures as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Foreign Minister, emphasized in remarks after an extraordinary meeting of the Mecca coalition in Riyadh that the parties discussed the support they could provide to Saudi Arabia to enhance its defensive capabilities. He added, "Our Minister of Defense and Chief of General Staff were also present at this meeting and provided very fruitful insights on military, operational, and technical issues."
Pakistani and regional officials have announced that Ankara and Islamabad have provided military equipment to Saudi Arabia, which the country is currently using in Yemen. In this context, Yemeni government forces, with air support from the Saudi-led coalition, launched a counter-offensive this week to reclaim strategic areas near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Officials announced last week to news agencies that Saudi Arabia is planning an attack against the Houthis, with options including a coastal assault to secure shipping routes in the Red Sea or attacks from various fronts being considered.
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