RBT's Defense Blog

Saudi Arabia has finally activated the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement or the Mecca Pact following a sharp escalation in strikes by Yemen’s Ansarallah Houthi movement that has directly threatened the Kingdom's critical infrastructure and the 2 holy sites.  It may perhaps help put to rest the talk that this pact is a paper tiger . 1.   Direct Threats to Mecca and Medina:- The tipping point was a series of long-range Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi urban centers and economic facilities, including a strike hitting energy infrastructure on the outer perimeter of Medina. Targeting or endangering the vicinity of Islam’s two holiest cities ( Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina) triggered immediate red lines for Saudi national security and regional legitimacy. 2.   Red Sea Escalation & Maritime Security:- The Houthis launched major offensives along Yemen's Red Sea coast, capturing key positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strai...