Turkey has ruled out sending troops to launch offensive operations against Yemen’s Houthis, despite the activation of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says Ankara is assessing how to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defences, with possible assistance focused on air defence, electronic warfare, intelligence and technical support. The announcement comes as Houthi attacks intensify and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces fight to reclaim strategic territory. While the pact commits its members to collective defence, Ankara insists it is not an agreement to wage offensive wars. The decision raises questions about how far Turkey will go to support MBS as the Yemen conflict escalates.
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