Pakistani Jets Target Houthi Rebels in Saudi Arabia as Air India Cancels Flights

Pakistani air force fighter jets are carrying out airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as Islamabad activates the Mecca Pact to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia.

Military Deployment And Attacks

According to a New York Times report, Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops in Saudi Arabia, including air force and army air defense personnel. A senior Pakistani military official confirmed the use of fighter jets in these operations, while military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary stated that Pakistani troops are fulfilling roles across multiple capabilities and sectors in the kingdom. US defense analyst Colonel David O Smith noted that these forces help protect vital oil infrastructure, with Islamabad focusing its role on air support rather than direct ground combat to manage relations with Iran. The escalation follows Houthi missile and drone strikes that recently forced the closure of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Indian Flight Suspensions And Advisory

Following the attacks, Air India flight AI2243 from Delhi to Riyadh turned back over the Arabian Sea, and airlines including Air India, Indigo, and Air India Express have suspended all flights to Riyadh until October 10. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure, urging Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay indoors, follow local advisories, and avoid sharing unverified videos or news. A 24x7 helpline has been set up through the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra.

Context

The Mecca Pact is a collective defense arrangement signed in August that treats an armed attack on any member nation as an attack on all three. This marks a significant shift for Pakistan, which previously voted to stay out of the Yemen conflict in 2015 to balance ties with neighboring Iran.