The Makkah Defense Alliance faces its first practical test

The Makkah Defense Alliance, a coalition consisting of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, held an emergency meeting in Riyadh to address the escalating conflict with Houthi militias. The summit served as the alliance's first practical test, focusing on the establishment of a formal command structure and the definition of operational protocols.

The alliance is modeled after NATO’s Article 5, emphasizing a principle of mutual military defense among its member states. This meeting marks a significant step in formalizing the coalition's strategic framework in response to ongoing regional security challenges.