Turkey Seeks to Exploit Saudi Weakness Amid Houthi Attacks
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Turkey is positioning itself to benefit from Saudi Arabia's vulnerability to Houthi attacks by deploying forces under the defensive "Mecca Alliance." The attacks have caused significant disruptions to Saudi air travel and exposed a perceived weakness in the Kingdom's defenses, despite its large military budget. Experts suggest Turkey's move is partly for public relations and strategic expansion, while Saudi Arabia is seeking closer ties with the UAE to counter the Houthis. The development is viewed with concern by Israel due to Turkey's increasing military presence in the region.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Turkey is deploying forces to Saudi Arabia under the "Mecca Alliance" amid Houthi attacks and Saudi vulnerability.
- Houthi attacks have caused significant flight cancellations at major Saudi airports, highlighting defensive weaknesses.
- Experts view Turkey's move as partly for public relations and strategic expansion, not immediate intervention.
- Saudi Arabia's perceived helplessness against the Houthis is prompting closer ties with the UAE.
- Israel views Turkey's growing military presence in the region with concern.
Saudi Arabia is facing unprecedented embarrassment due to repeated Houthi attacks, including strikes on King Khalid International Airport. Amid this vulnerability, Turkey appears to be gaining momentum, having declared its intention to deploy forces to the Kingdom based on the Mecca Alliance. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the alliance's defensive nature, though Turkish media has boasted about Turkish drones flying over Mecca. Dr. Hay Eitan Cohen Yanarocak, an expert on Turkey, suggests this is largely for domestic public relations, with the alliance intended to grow and attract more Muslim nations before becoming strategically significant.
This development is problematic for Israel, which has strategic interests clashing with Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, and Somalia. The Mecca Alliance introduces another arena for Turkish military activity beyond its existing base in Qatar, which primarily supported the Emir of Qatar. The current situation stems from Saudi Arabia's perceived helplessness against the Houthi rebels, who have imposed a naval blockade and disrupted air traffic. Analysis shows significant flight cancellations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.
Dr. Yoel Guzansky, Head of the Gulf Desk at INSS, notes that Saudi Arabia's request for external assistance damages its image, especially in security matters, an area where they have invested heavily. Despite a substantial defense budget, Saudi Arabia ranks seventh globally in military spending but struggles with effective defense against missile threats. The Mecca Alliance forces, along with Pakistani troops, are positioned defensively in the eastern Gulf region, not near Yemen, and their effectiveness in intercepting missiles is questionable.
While Turkey aims to fill the perceived vacuum, it seeks to avoid direct confrontation with the Houthis or their patron, Iran. The defensive emphasis of the Mecca Alliance, despite Turkey's extensive global military presence, reflects this caution. Experts believe Turkey is looking for US involvement rather than direct action, especially given internal criticism of attacks on holy sites. The current crisis is forcing Saudi Arabia to mend ties with the UAE, hoping for their support in weakening the Houthis in Yemen, while Turkey's growing military footprint in the region is a concern for Israel.
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