Key Takeaways
- US Congressman Joe Wilson described the Makkah Defense Alliance as having the potential to become the 'NATO of the Middle East'.
- The alliance was activated in response to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey agreed to rapidly deploy military forces to support Saudi Arabia.
US Congressman Joe Wilson has hailed the Makkah Defense Alliance, a strategic pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as having the potential to become the 'NATO of the Middle East'.
Wilson's statement came after an emergency meeting in Riyadh, where the three countries agreed to swiftly deploy military forces and capabilities to bolster Saudi Arabia's defenses against Houthi attacks.
Pakistan's Foreign Office confirmed that the Strategic Political and Defense Committee had approved immediate steps to implement collective defense commitments, with deployments following agreed arrangements and each member's national laws.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted that Pakistani and Turkish forces were playing a supporting role, while Saudi troops were engaged in combat operations.
The alliance, signed on August 7, commits its members to treating an attack against one as an attack against all three, underscoring the importance of collective security.
In a tweet, Wilson expressed gratitude to the three countries for activating the alliance, stating, 'The Mecca Defense Alliance has the potential to be the NATO of the Middle East. I am grateful to our allies Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia for activating the alliance in the face of Houthi Iranian-backed aggression.'
The alliance's activation follows a series of attacks on Makkah and Madinah, as well as strikes against Saudi cities, civilian facilities, and economic infrastructure.
The committee also appointed retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood as its first secretary-general for a three-year term, further solidifying the alliance's structure and leadership.
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, signed on August 7, aims to enhance regional security and counter threats posed by Iran-backed groups.
The Mecca Defense Alliance has the potential to be the NATO of the Middle East. I am grateful to our allies Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia for activating the alliance in the face of Houthi Iranian-backed aggression.
Joe Wilson, US Congressman
