by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Turkey’s parliament ratified the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on Thursday, establishing a collective defense alliance with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that could pave the way for Turkish military deployments to the kingdom amid escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, Reuters and The Jerusalem Post reported.
The agreement, signed in August, establishes a mutual defense commitment under which an attack against one member is considered an attack against all three nations. Turkish lawmakers are also expected to consider a separate authorization permitting military personnel to deploy to Saudi Arabia.
The emerging Sunni-led alliance could expand further, with Syria exploring membership as regional powers reposition themselves amid Iran’s weakening influence.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia and Syria signed a separate military cooperation agreement during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani confirmed that discussions were underway regarding Syria’s possible entry into the Mecca alliance. Reuters also reported that Damascus was considering military assistance to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis.
The developments signal a potentially significant realignment across the Middle East, as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and possibly Syria move toward closer military cooperation in response to Iranian-backed threats.
The emerging bloc could reshape the region’s security architecture, raising new questions about the balance of power between Sunni governments, Iran, and Israel.
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