Saudi Arabia Faces Houthi Attacks Alone Amidst Alliance Inaction

Saudi Arabia has once again been targeted by attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels, with air raid sirens sounding for the first time in the holy cities of Mecca and Jeddah, as well as Taif. No casualties or damage have been reported. The attacks follow Houthi threats to retaliate for what they described as dozens of Saudi strikes on Yemen.

The situation raises questions about the inaction of Turkey and Pakistan, signatories to the Mecca Pact, a collective security alliance formed in August and sometimes dubbed an "Islamic NATO." Despite being designed as a defensive pact, it has yet to demonstrate effectiveness following an attack on one of its members.

The Houthi strike on Mecca is particularly significant due to the city's status as Islam's holiest site, home to the Kaaba and a destination for millions of pilgrims. The Mecca Pact, signed in the city in August, stipulates a joint response to any attack on a member state. However, both Pakistan and Turkey have so far limited their response to condemning the Houthi attacks.

Following an earlier attack on a Saudi oil pipeline attributed to Iran-backed groups, Pakistan labeled the incident a threat to regional peace and stability but took no practical measures. Turkey also issued a condemnation, expressing support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its allies.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on September 13 to discuss de-escalation measures. The Houthis, supported by Iran, continue to escalate tensions and show no intention of halting their attacks, blaming Saudi Arabia for extensive strikes on Yemen and vowing further retaliation.

Amidst this, Saudi Arabia is reportedly exploring support from nations outside the Mecca Pact. Israel has been discussing potential military assistance to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis, seeing the situation as an opportunity for diplomatic advancement.