Turkey has ruled out sending troops to fight Yemen’s Houthi forces, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday.
His statement came amid renewed tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed group. Yemen’s Houthis have launched attacks against Saudi Arabia during the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
The latest developments have raised questions about Turkey’s defence commitments to Saudi Arabia. Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a joint defence agreement in August.
The agreement was signed under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. It commits the three countries to support each other if one member faces an attack.
However, Fidan stressed that the agreement is defensive in nature. He said Turkey would support Saudi Arabia’s defence if necessary.
He ruled out sending Turkish forces into another country to conduct offensive operations.
Turkey Clarifies Defence Agreement
Fidan explained Turkey’s position while discussing the growing regional tensions. He said the agreement should not be viewed as an offensive military alliance.
According to him, Turkey would not deploy troops to another country for an attack. He added that Turkish and Saudi military officials would cooperate on defensive preparations.
The two countries are expected to assess possible measures required to protect Saudi Arabia. Fidan did not provide further details about those discussions.
The comments come as Yemen’s Houthis continue to remain a major security concern in the region.
The group has been involved in Yemen’s conflict against the internationally recognised government. Saudi Arabia supports that government.
Pact Links Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
The Mecca defence agreement connects three significant Muslim-majority countries. Turkey has NATO’s second-largest military, while Saudi Arabia is a major global oil producer.
Pakistan is also part of the agreement. It is the only nuclear-armed country in the Muslim world.
The agreement has attracted attention because of the renewed violence involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis.
Questions have emerged over whether the pact could eventually involve its members in the conflict. Turkish officials have repeatedly sought to reduce such concerns.
Turkish diplomatic officials have also stressed that the agreement does not automatically mean involvement in offensive military operations.
Focus Remains on Defence
Fidan’s latest comments further clarified Turkey’s position. Ankara appears focused on supporting Saudi Arabia through defensive cooperation.
The agreement still requires parliamentary ratification in Turkey. Its implementation will therefore depend on the completion of the required domestic process.
Meanwhile, military officials from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are expected to examine potential defensive requirements.
The situation remains closely watched because of the wider regional tensions. Any further attacks could increase pressure on countries involved in the defence agreement.
For now, Turkey has made clear that it does not plan to send troops to fight Yemen’s Houthis.
In other news read more about Houthi Missile Hits Saudi School as Attack Raises Fresh Concerns
The Turkish position keeps the focus of the agreement on mutual defence. It also separates defensive support from direct participation in offensive operations.
