Pakistani Fighter Jets Join Saudi‑Turkey Mission Against Yemen’s Houthi Rebels

Pakistani Air Force fighter jets took part in air strikes on Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthi rebels after the trilateral Makkah Accord was put into force. A senior Pakistani military officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that PAF aircraft were being used for the operation. Former U.S. Army attaché Col. David O. Smith said analysts estimate about 8,000 Pakistani personnel have been sent to Saudi Arabia, including air‑defence units and a PAF contingent, mainly to protect oil facilities. He added that the troops are not expected to fight the Houthis on the ground because Pakistan wants to keep its ties with Iran stable. Another unnamed Pakistani official said the country’s role will focus on weakening Houthi drones and missiles through aerial support rather than a land campaign. The Pakistani military declined to comment on the deployment. The Makkah Accord was signed in August by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Gulf media on Oct 5 reported that the three nations had activated “deterrence measures” under the pact and moved forces to Saudi Arabia to counter recent Houthi attacks. The New York Times linked the PAF involvement to explosions reported in Riyadh after Houthi missile or drone strikes hit King Khalid International Airport and Abha International Airport, killing three and injuring dozens. Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesman, said the militia targeted both airports with missiles or drones.

Context

The Makkah Accord creates a rapid‑response framework among Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, aimed at countering cross‑border attacks on Saudi territory. The Houthi movement, which receives support from Iran, has stepped up strikes on Saudi airports as part of its broader campaign against the Saudi‑backed Yemeni government.