(CNN) - The Political and Defense Strategic Committee of the “Mecca Defense Alliance,” which brings together the countries of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, announced “the immediate transition to the practical implementation of joint defense obligations,” in addition to “taking the necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon military forces and capabilities and quickly deploy them” in Saudi Arabia.
This came after an emergency meeting held by the committee in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to discuss “security developments and threats facing the Kingdom,” as it came in light of the recent escalation in Yemen between government forces supported by Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group supported by Iran.
The committee issued a statement published by the official Saudi News Agency (SPA), in which it was decided to “take the necessary measures to provide the agreed-upon military forces and capabilities and quickly deploy them in the Kingdom, in accordance with the approved arrangements and national legislation of the states parties, in a way that enhances readiness, military integration, and the collective ability to confront and respond to threats,” according to SPA.
The three countries condemned "in the strongest terms the attempt to target Mecca and Medina, and the continuation of attacks targeting cities and civil and economic facilities in the Kingdom, affirming their categorical rejection of any attack or threat to the Kingdom's security and territorial integrity."
The countries affirmed that “the security of each state party is an integral part of the collective security of the three countries, and that translating the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement into practical measures embodies the credibility of the commitment to joint defense, enhances the effectiveness of deterrence, and confirms the unity of the three countries and their determination to defend their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.”
It was also decided to appoint "retired Lieutenant General Noman Mahmoud, from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as the first Secretary-General for a period of three years," according to what SPA reported.
On Sunday, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government announced the start of a broad military operation aimed at repelling the progress made by the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi group during the recent period.
The head of the Yemeni Presidential Command Council, Rashad Al-Alimi, said in a televised speech on Sunday that the military operations aim to restore the lands that the Houthis still control, and re-establish state authority in various parts of the country.
The renewed fighting has already led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people from their homes, while future developments may affect the balance of power in Yemen, as well as causing further disruption to shipping traffic through the Red Sea.
In early September, the Houthis took control of large areas of the Yemeni coast on the Red Sea, extending south to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is a vital passage for commercial ships heading towards the Indian Ocean.
The Houthis announced that they would target Saudi ships trying to cross the strait, threatening to impose additional pressure on global trade routes and energy transport routes.
Since late July, the Houthis have launched ballistic missiles and drones towards multiple targets in Saudi Arabia, including industrial and energy facilities.
