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.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said Saturday he discussed with Pakistani army chief General Asim Munir what he called wicked attacks targeting Mecca and civilian and economic facilities in the kingdom. The statement did not specify further details about the nature of the attacks or who was responsible.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on Monday for talks with his Iranian counterpart, amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran. The visit reflects ongoing regional diplomatic contacts linked to the escalating US-Iran standoff.
Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi issued a warning to Turkey and Pakistan against providing any support to Saudi Arabia amid renewed military escalation in Yemen. The statement came as part of a broader speech addressing the group's ongoing confrontation with Riyadh and efforts to discourage regional powers from backing the kingdom.
At least 17 people were killed and more than 70 injured in a bombing that targeted a mosque inside a police facility in Pakistan. Attackers reportedly used a vehicle packed with explosives before engaging security forces in a gun battle, during which one attacker was killed. Rescue operations are ongoing, with officials warning the death toll could rise.
Fierce fighting continues along Yemen's western coast as Pakistan declared it would go to great lengths to defend Saudi Arabia. The United Nations warned that nearly 22 million Yemenis, roughly half the population, now need humanitarian aid amid the escalating conflict.
BBC عربي
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