Mecca Defense Alliance moves to put joint defense commitments into effect
The political and defense strategy committee of the Mecca Defense Alliance, which groups Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, has decided to begin applying the bloc's joint defense commitments immediately, according to a statement issued after an emergency meeting. The steps include arrangements to provide the agreed forces and military capabilities and to speed their deployment in Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters The move shifts the alliance from declared commitments to operational arrangements, which could affect security balances in the region. The statement did not specify the size of the forces to be deployed or the timeline.
Yemen coalition says it foiled planned Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping
The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government said on Monday that its naval forces carried out an operation in Hodeidah governorate, in the country's west. According to the coalition, the strike destroyed weapons depots, explosive-laden boats and sea mines, and disrupted a Houthi plan for imminent attacks on a waterway in the southern Red Sea. It said the aim was to protect navigation security around the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Houthis claim attacks on Saudi sites, including Riyadh airport
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced three operations targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Aramco refinery in Rabigh and Abha airport, as well as what he called sensitive sites in Najran and Jizan. Sky News Arabia reported that the group said it used ballistic and cruise missiles along with drones. The available material contains no independent confirmation of the attacks and no official Saudi comment.
