Syria is considering joining a regional mutual-defense alliance with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, a step that could increase Damascus’s involvement in the kingdom’s expanding confrontation with the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Saturday at the Manama Dialogue security conference in Bahrain that discussions were underway to assess Syria’s entry into what he called the Mecca alliance. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement in August.
The pact states that an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three, reflecting the principle of collective defense. The countries also agreed to prepare for the rapid deployment of military forces to Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks on the kingdom have intensified.
Al-Shaibani said Syria considers the security of the Gulf Arab states essential to its own security and would stand with all Gulf countries against challenges posed by cross-border militias. It remains unclear whether any potential Syrian support would include sending troops to Yemen.
Since President Ahmed al-Sharaa came to power almost two years ago, Syria has sought to avoid regional conflicts while trying to rebuild after nearly 14 years of civil war. Syrian authorities denied reports this month that Saudi Arabia had asked Damascus to deploy troops, saying the government was focused on reconstruction.
Sources: The New York Times World.