Stories
Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia As Regional Tensions Rise
- •Yemen's Houthi movement has escalated its military confrontation with Saudi Arabia amidst ongoing regional instability.
- •Iran's continued influence and support for the Houthis threaten to reshape the balance of power in the Middle East.
- •Security experts like Professor Robert Pape raise concerns over the risk of a wider regional conflict and the limits of US influence in Gulf security.
Key Questions Answered
Yemen’s Houthi movement has launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting sensitive locations, airports, and vital oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. These assaults have impacted areas including Riyadh, Yanbu, Taif, and the Saudi Aramco oil facilities, causing disruptions and infrastructure damage.
Signed on August 7, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is an alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye that stipulates that an armed attack against any single member nation is considered an attack against all three. In September, retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood was appointed as the alliance's first secretary-general.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Islamabad's firm commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. During a meeting with the secretary-general of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, Sharif emphasized that Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the kingdom amid escalating Houthi attacks.
