Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan agreed on Monday to activate collective prevention against attacks aimed at the Kingdom and to act immediately to implement their joint defence commitments, including preparations to quickly deploy the forces and military capacities agreed on in Saudi Arabia.

According to foreign media, Telegrafi conveys, the decision was announced in a joint statement following an emergency meeting of the Montenegrin Alliance’s Political and Protection Strategic Committee in Riyadh to discuss security developments and threats facing the Kingdom.

The committee agreed to switch immediately to practical implementation of the alliance’s collective defence commitments and take the necessary steps to ensure agreed military forces and capacities and to deploy them quickly in Saudi Arabia.

The measures will be implemented under agreed agreements and in line with the three countries’ national laws, aimed at strengthening their military readiness, integration and collective ability to face threats, the statement said.

The three countries stressed that each member’s security was an integral part of their collective security and said that translating the Alliance of Defence of Mecca into practical measures would strengthen the prevention and show their determination to protect their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said after the meeting that the three countries remain one in confronting attacks aimed at Saudi Arabia and the Islamic holy sites.

He stressed that the alliance would activate collective prevention against the attacks and that all those behind them within the framework of the Alliance of Defence of Mecca.

In their joint statement, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan strongly condemned efforts to target Mecca and Medina, as well as ongoing attacks on Saudi cities and civilian and economic objects, stressing their refusal to attack any attacks or threats to the security and territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

Turkey and Pakistan also praised the willingness of the Saudi armed forces and what it describes as their professionalism and effectiveness in facing Kingdom threats and protection.

The meeting comes amid a sharp escalation involving Iran-backed Yemeni militia, which Saudi authorities say has carried out a series of missile attacks and fears against the Kingdom, including efforts to target Mecca and Medina.

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition has pledged to take measures to prevent further Houthi attacks and has pledged continued support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and armed forces in their campaign just launched to regain the territory held by Houthi and restore state institutions.

Yemen’s government forces have reported considerable progress since the campaign announcement Sunday, including the retake of the strategic portal town Mokha at the Red Sea following fierce and air support clashes.

The escalation has also raised concerns about maritime security, especially around the Bab al-Mandhab Strait, a vital maritime route connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Adden.

As part of efforts to further institutionalise Mecca’s Alliance of Defence, Monday’s committee meeting also appointed Pakistani retired General Nauman Mahmood as the alliance’s first secretary general for a three-year term.

The three countries said the appointment would contribute to the development of the alliance and advance its goals. /Telegraphy/