Makkah Defense Alliance Agrees to Rapidly Deploy Forces in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to immediately implement collective defense commitments under the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and take steps for the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.

The decision came during an emergency meeting of the Strategic-Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance in Riyadh on October 5. The three countries reviewed security threats facing Saudi Arabia and developments in the region.

In a joint statement, the committee said the three countries would move to the practical implementation of their collective defense commitments. The necessary measures will provide agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia, subject to approved arrangements and the national laws of the three countries.

Alliance Names First Secretary-General

The committee also approved recommendations from political and military consultations held before the meeting.

It reaffirmed that the security of each member is part of the collective security of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. The countries said the measures would strengthen military readiness, integration and their ability to respond to common threats.

The committee appointed Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood (Retd) of Pakistan as the alliance’s first Secretary-General for a three-year term. The General Secretariat will be based in Riyadh.

The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement

The three countries signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in Makkah on August 7, 2026. The agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three. Pakistan has described the agreement as defensive in nature.

The emergency meeting also followed earlier consultations among the three countries on assistance to Saudi Arabia under the agreement.