Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye agree on rapid deployment of forces in the Kingdom

The three ‌countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in ​August, under which an armed attack on one member ⁠is considered an attack on all. File. | Photo Credit: Reuters Pakistan, Saudi ‌Arabia and Turkey agreed on Monday (October 5, 2026) to ​move immediately to implement ⁠their collective defence commitments and ensure the “rapid deployment” of agreed military forces and capabilities ‌in Saudi Arabia, the three countries said in a joint ‌statement shared by Pakistan’s foreign ministry.The ‌decision ⁠was taken at an ⁠emergency meeting of the Mecca Defence Alliance in Riyadh and would be carried out under “approved ​arrangements” and ‌the national laws of the three countries, the statement said.The meeting “reaffirmed the solidarity and unity of our countries ‌in confronting the heinous attacks ​against the Kingdom and the holy sites,” the Saudi Defence ⁠Minister said on X.The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis said on Thursday (October 1, 2026) ‌that the Iran-aligned group had attacked a power distribution station in the Saudi city of Medina which supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.The three ‌countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in ​August, under which an armed attack on one member ⁠is considered an attack on all.The agreement ⁠announced at the time gave no specifics on the military ‌commitments or defence obligations of each country. Published - October 06, 2026 05:36 am IST