Saudi Arabia to hold defence talks after Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia said Friday that it, Turkey and Pakistan will hold chiefs of staff talks on supporting the kingdom after increased attacks by Yemen's Houthis.

Turkey's defence ministry said Turkey's chief of general staff would travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday to attend the meeting. It was not clear whether the talks would be held the same day.

The announcement followed a Thursday meeting in New York between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

A statement shared by the official Saudi news agency SPA said the ministers discussed arrangements for an urgent meeting of the three countries' chiefs of staff to consider support for Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the joint defence agreement last month, committing them to mutual defence if one is attacked. Pakistan and Turkey have not struck back against the Houthis.

SPA reported that the three ministers condemned Houthi attacks on civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks on Mecca. The Houthis have denied carrying out attacks on Mecca.

The Houthis have escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia since July, ending a years-long truce, declaring a maritime blockade and seizing Yemen's Red Sea coast as they seek to stifle Saudi oil exports.