Houthi attacks put Saudi Arabia’s Mecca Pact alliance to test

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are raising questions over the credibility and effectiveness of the Mecca Pact, under which an attack on one member is to be treated as an attack on all.

The Houthis last week launched a major assault targeting four Saudi cities and an oil refinery, with civilians also affected. The attacks have renewed concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia, a key global oil supplier, while putting its new defence alliance with Turkey and Pakistan under scrutiny.

Ankara and Islamabad condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with Riyadh but stopped short of announcing direct military intervention.

Analysts say Turkey and Pakistan are unlikely to become directly involved in the conflict for now. Instead, they are expected to support Saudi Arabia through intelligence sharing and potentially air-defence and drone capabilities.

The response has nevertheless raised questions about why the pact’s collective-defence provision has not been activated despite the attack on Saudi territory.

Continued Houthi strikes could put greater pressure on Ankara and Islamabad to clarify the extent of their commitments under the agreement. The central question is whether the pact represents a binding military deterrent or remains primarily a political commitment.

Analysts say the Houthi attacks therefore amount to more than a military challenge to Saudi Arabia. They are also an early test of the credibility, readiness and practical capabilities of the newly formed alliance.