Pakistan says Houthi attacks could trigger defense pact
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- Pakistan's defense minister said Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate a joint defense agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
- Islamabad condemned the attacks, which Saudi authorities say injured 73 people.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Houthi attacks launched from Yemen against Saudi Arabia could trigger the joint defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Speaking on television, Asif said Pakistan is "bound to assist the kingdom," arguing that the trilateral Mecca agreement stipulates that aggression against any of the three countries constitutes aggression against all three.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Houthi attacks, saying strikes on economic facilities and residential areas threaten regional security and endanger civilians.
Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and security.
The statements followed missile and drone attacks targeting the Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jazan. Saudi authorities said the attacks injured 73 people and caused damage to several economic facilities.
The developments raise the prospect of wider regional involvement if attacks on Saudi territory continue.
