Key Takeaways
- Turkey will not participate in offensive operations in Yemen.
- Defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is for defense, not offense.
- Turkey will assess how to support Saudi Arabia against Houthi militants.
Turkey has ruled out any participation in offensive operations in Yemen, despite a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the agreement is intended to protect members against attacks, not to launch military campaigns abroad.
Fidan explained that Turkey is currently assessing how it can assist Saudi Arabia in countering attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militants. Potential contributions may include air defense, electronic warfare, and technical support.
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia in August, defines an armed attack against one member as an attack against all three. However, Fidan emphasized that Turkey will not send troops to another country to carry out attacks on its territory.
Saudi Arabia and its allies, including Pakistan, are already engaged in ground operations against Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces. Fidan noted that Turkey’s support at this stage would largely be provided through bilateral arrangements.
While Turkey’s parliament has not yet ratified the defense pact, Fidan stated that preparations to submit the agreement for parliamentary approval are largely complete. The government aims to send the agreement for ratification as soon as possible.
Turkey’s stance is based on the defensive nature of the agreement, which is designed to protect member states from external attacks. Fidan highlighted that the agreement does not mandate offensive operations in other countries.
The defense pact includes provisions for the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia. Military delegations from the three countries are currently assessing Riyadh’s defensive requirements and determining what assistance Turkey and Pakistan can provide.
Turkey’s decision to reject offensive operations in Yemen, despite the defense pact, underscores the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between defensive and offensive military actions under the agreement.
Turkey will not send troops to another country to carry out attacks on its territory.
Hakan Fidan, Foreign Minister of Turkey
