The Makkah Defense Alliance has taken a major step toward strengthening Saudi Arabia’s security after an emergency meeting in Riyadh reviewed growing threats against the Kingdom, including attempts to target Makkah, Madinah and other Saudi cities.
The emergency meeting of the Strategic, Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Defense Alliance was held in Riyadh on Monday.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye discussed the prevailing security situation and reviewed measures to respond collectively to potential threats.
The committee decided to begin immediate practical measures under the collective-defense commitments of the alliance. The three countries will take necessary steps to provide agreed military contingents and required defense capabilities and facilitate their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with approved arrangements and the national laws of the respective countries.
The move is aimed at strengthening military preparedness, defense integration and the alliance’s collective ability to respond to security threats.
The three countries strongly condemned ongoing attacks targeting Saudi cities, civilian and economic infrastructure, as well as attempts to target the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The joint statement rejected any attack or threat against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity, reaffirming that the security of each member state is an integral part of the collective security of all three countries.
Pakistan and Türkiye also praised the Saudi armed forces for their vigilance, preparedness, professionalism and performance in responding to threats and protecting the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.
Pakistan’s Lieutenant General (Retired) Appointed Secretary General
The meeting also marked an important development in the institutional structure of the Makkah Defense Alliance. Pakistan’s Lieutenant General (retired) Nauman Mahmood was appointed as the alliance’s first Secretary General for a three-year term.
The participating countries welcomed his appointment and expressed confidence that he would play an important role in advancing the alliance and helping achieve its objectives.
The three countries reaffirmed that the Makkah Defense Alliance represents their firm commitment to collective defense and reflects a unified position in responding to emerging threats.
The latest decisions indicate an effort to translate the Makkah joint-defense agreement into practical military arrangements.
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The countries said these measures would strengthen the credibility of their collective-defense commitments, enhance their defense capabilities and demonstrate their determination to protect their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
