Houthi drones target Riyadh as mecca pact allies huddle over threats

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye held urgent military talks in Riyadh after Saudi Arabia intercepted two Houthi drones headed toward the capital. The meeting brought together the defence chiefs of the three countries under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7. Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman said the commanders discussed the attacks targeting Mecca, civilian infrastructure and economic facilities, while Pakistan’s Defence Ministry said the talks focused on collective defence, military deterrence and coordination. With Houthi attacks intensifying against Saudi Arabia, the meeting raises fresh questions over whether the Mecca defence pact is facing its first major test.