Pakistan backs KSA after Houthi attacks

Pakistan on Tuesday threw its weight behind Saudi Arabia after a fresh wave of Houthi missile and drone attacks hit civilian and economic targets in the kingdom, raising questions over whether the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement could face its first major test barely a month after its conclusion.

Islamabad strongly condemned the attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, which Saudi authorities said wounded at least 73 people, including women and children. Saudi energy authorities also reported fires and a temporary suspension of some operations at energy facilities following the strikes.

The Foreign Office said the attacks were a "flagrant violation" of Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and supported Riyadh's "legitimate right" under international law to take necessary measures to defend its territory, population and national assets.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately condemned what he described as a "cowardly attack" targeting civilian and energy facilities, reaffirming Pakistan's "unwavering solidarity" with Saudi Arabia and its leadership.

The unusually strong language comes against the backdrop of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7.

The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all three and calls for enhanced defence cooperation. Pakistan has, however, repeatedly stressed that the accord is defensive in nature and is not directed against any particular country.

The latest Saudi-Houthi escalation is therefore likely to fuel a debate over the practical meaning of the pact, particularly if the confrontation develops into a sustained military campaign rather than remaining confined to limited cross-border attacks.

However, there is no indication that Pakistan or Turkiye is preparing to enter the Yemen conflict militarily alongside Saudi Arabia.

The wording of the Makkah agreement does not automatically prescribe a particular military response to every attack. Rather, it establishes the principle of collective defence and provides for greater coordination among the three countries. This distinction could become important if Riyadh decides to launch a major military response against Houthi positions in Yemen.

The Houthis on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a large-scale operation involving dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, saying they had targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Abha, Najran and Jazan as well as King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the attacks were retaliation for more than 120 Saudi strikes against Houthi-held areas in Yemen over the previous three days.

The latest confrontation marks a sharp deterioration after a period in which the 2022 UN-brokered truce had significantly reduced large-scale fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.

The situation has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, with the Houthis intensifying attacks against Saudi territory and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launching a counteroffensive against Houthi positions.

The fighting has also acquired a wider strategic dimension because of the importance of Yemen's western coastline and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's critical maritime chokepoints.

The Houthis have also targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea and announced a blockade of Saudi-linked maritime traffic. Saudi Arabia has condemned the attacks as a threat to freedom of navigation and regional security.

For Pakistan, the unfolding crisis presents a delicate diplomatic and strategic challenge.

Islamabad has deep defence ties with Riyadh and has consistently supported Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In July, Prime Minister Shehbaz had already conveyed to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Pakistan's "complete solidarity" following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

At the same time, Pakistan has traditionally avoided becoming directly involved in the Yemen war. Its parliament had in 2015 resolved against sending troops to participate in the Saudi-led military campaign, while Islamabad has repeatedly advocated a political settlement to the Yemeni conflict.

The Makkah pact now adds a new layer to this longstanding balancing act.

Analysts believe the immediate priority for all three signatories will be deterrence rather than direct intervention. The agreement itself was presented by Pakistan as a mechanism for "peace through strength" and collective security, rather than an instrument for launching offensive operations.