Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia demand an immediate halt to Houthi attacks as Ankara weighs defensive support for Riyadh.

ANKARA: Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have condemned attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants on Riyadh’s international airport, describing them as a dangerous escalation that cannot be justified under any circumstances.

In a joint statement issued Sunday, the four countries, referred to as the R4 group, expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed what they described as legitimate measures to counter the attacks, deter threats and prevent further incidents.

The statement held the Houthi militia responsible for the consequences of the attacks and warned that their repercussions could threaten regional and international peace and security. The four countries demanded an immediate and unconditional end to the attacks.

Saudi authorities reported that one person was killed and nearly a dozen others were injured in a new attack on Riyadh’s international airport on Sunday. The incident came a day after a strike claimed by the Houthis reportedly killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.

Pakistan, Turkiye Back Collective Defence

The joint statement comes amid growing security cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye.

NATO member Turkiye and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a joint defence pact with Saudi Arabia in August. Under the agreement, an attack on one party constitutes an attack on all.

Last week, the countries said they had agreed to implement their collective defence commitments and ensure the rapid deployment of forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia amid the Houthi attacks.

However, Turkiye has not yet formally ratified the agreement through its parliament, and the pact is expected to be submitted to lawmakers in the coming days.

Turkiye Rules Out Troop Deployment

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday that Ankara was assessing how it could assist Saudi Arabia but ruled out deploying troops or participating in offensive operations.

A day earlier, officials told Reuters that Turkiye was sending mainly defensive and technical support to Riyadh.

Turkish assistance has so far largely been provided through bilateral arrangements. The country’s military capabilities and defence industry have also made it a significant partner for Saudi Arabia in defence cooperation.

Turkiye has supplied defence equipment to Saudi Arabia and agreed to join a Saudi-led coalition aimed at ensuring navigational safety in the Red Sea.

The latest developments highlight the growing coordination among regional powers as Saudi Arabia faces continued attacks. The four-country statement signals a shared diplomatic position against the strikes, while Turkiye’s stated limits on military involvement indicate that its support will focus on defensive and technical assistance rather than offensive operations.