Türkiye to protect Mecca – 110 years later...

The Mecca Defense Alliance signed by Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia two months ago has been activated in practice for the first time.

TodayPress TV reports, citing the Türkiye newspaper, that at an emergency meeting held in Riyadh, the three countries decided to urgently implement their collective defense commitments and deploy the military forces and capabilities of friendly countries to Saudi Arabia.

According to the report, Türkiye is expected to support the protection of four key natural gas and electricity facilities in Saudi Arabia with low- and medium-altitude air defense systems.

In addition, the possibility of establishing a Turkish military base in Saudi Arabia is also being discussed. If the plan is implemented, the Turkish Armed Forces could once again play a role in the security of Mecca after 110 years.

The newspaper writes that the number, composition and deployment areas of Turkish and Pakistani troops to be sent to Saudi Arabia will be determined in the coming days. The approval of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye is required for Turkish troops to be deployed to the country. The plan is expected to be submitted to parliament in the near future.

According to the report, Türkiye is not expected to participate directly in offensive operations in Yemen. Instead, Ankara is considering implementing a military support mechanism in Yemen similar to the Libya model.

The publication writes that Türkiye’s military experience, defense industry capabilities and operational capacity could play an important role in resolving the Yemen crisis. Türkiye previously supported Libya’s Government of National Accord, helping prevent forces led by Khalifa Haftar from capturing Tripoli in 2019.

It is also claimed that more than 200 Turkish military specialists, along with Turkish electronic warfare systems and ground- and air-defense equipment, have already been sent to Saudi Arabia. The report says Turkish defense systems are being used to enhance the Yemeni army’s combat capabilities and weaken the Houthis’ logistical capabilities.

According to the source, Turkish defense industry products also play an important role in establishing ground- and air-defense systems that will protect Saudi Arabia’s holy sites and strategic facilities.

Meanwhile, amid the expansion of operations against the Houthis in Yemen, it is claimed that the transfer of armed groups into the country from Iran, Iraq and Lebanon has increased. It is also reported that armed personnel are being brought to Yemen from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bahrain and some African countries.

It should be recalled that Republican member of the US Congress Joe Wilson said the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement could eventually become a “NATO of the Middle East.” He praised Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for activating the alliance against attacks backed by Iran.

Jala Rovshan