Houthi strikes put Mecca defence pact to test: Pak warns Saudi attack could trigger joint response

Pakistan has warned that further attacks on Saudi Arabia could test the reported Mecca Defence Pact, raising fresh questions about whether the emerging security arrangement could trigger a joint response. The warning comes after reported Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia that left 73 people injured and damaged homes. Pakistan has indicated that Saudi Arabia facing aggression could activate the pact’s collective-defence provisions. The development has fueled comparisons to an “Islamic NATO” and highlighted the growing security ties between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other regional powers. Could the latest Houthi escalation put the Mecca Defence Pact into action?