Pakistan pledges military support to Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks

On September 18, 2026, Pakistan officially announced its commitment to provide full diplomatic and practical support to Saudi Arabia, following a series of aerial attacks launched by Houthi rebels. The escalation comes after Riyadh reported an attempted strike targeting the holy city of Mecca, sparking widespread outrage in the Muslim world. Military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that Islamabad’s support for the security of Saudi Arabia and the holy sites of Mecca and Medina remains unconditional.

The conflict recently intensified when a drone was intercepted near Taif, resulting in one death and two injuries from falling debris. Reports indicate that over 80 people have been wounded in recent attacks. The military alliance led by Saudi Arabia also confirmed the interception of an aerial vehicle approaching Mecca’s airspace. Pakistan currently maintains 8,000 soldiers stationed within the kingdom to assist with defensive operations.

This commitment is reinforced by the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement" signed last month by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, which mandates mutual defense in the event of an attack. As tensions persist, the coalition remains on high alert to protect the kingdom’s borders and religious sites.