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Saudi Arabia under Houthi attack, Mecca pact faces test
Published : Saturday, 12 September, 2026 at 9:13 AM
Observer Online Report
Houthi rebel attacks in Saudi Arabia have raised questions over the effectiveness of the Mecca Pact. Meanwhile, coalition partners Turkey and Pakistan have expressed condemnation and solidarity with Riyadh instead of announcing any military action.
Analysts say Ankara and Islamabad are likely to avoid direct involvement in the conflict for now while providing Riyadh with intelligence and other forms of support. However, if Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia continue, the effectiveness of the Mecca Pact could soon come under serious scrutiny.
The Houthi rebels have once again demonstrated their military capabilities. Last week, they launched a major attack on Saudi Arabia, targeting four cities and an oil refinery, with civilians also affected.
The attacks have raised two important questions. First, how reliable is Riyadh as a major oil supplier? Second, how effective is the Mecca Pact?
Pakistan and Turkey condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, pledging to stand by Riyadh. However, neither country announced any direct military assistance.
Under the joint defence pact signed last month, an attack on one member is considered an attack on the others. Yet, despite the attack on Saudi Arabia, the commitment has not been put into action. This has raised questions over why the provision has not been invoked.
All eyes are now on Turkey and Pakistan. The key question is how the two countries will assess the attack and what kind of response they will make under the terms of the pact.
Analysts say Ankara and Islamabad are unlikely to take immediate military action. Instead, they are expected to support Riyadh by providing intelligence, air defence systems and drone capabilities.
Meanwhile, continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could make the Mecca Pact increasingly controversial. Questions may arise over whether the principle that “an attack on one is an attack on all” is merely a political statement or whether the alliance also has the capability to deter and respond to attacks.
According to analysts, the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are not merely a military development; they are also a test of the credibility and capabilities of the new alliance.
-MT
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
