Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are putting the Mecca Joint Defence Pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan under fresh pressure. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on September 19 that Riyadh could have military needs and that Turkey was ready to help, while Pakistan said no military response had been discussed but it would act under the pact “when the time comes,” according to Reuters. The alliance’s mutual-defence clause could become significant if attacks escalate.