Yemen and Saudi fighting Rival claims, allied pledge

Oct 5

CCTV cites Yemeni media reporting government gains on October 5 around Bab al-Mandab, Dhubab Airport and Mocha, with operations continuing. Houthi spokesman Yahya says on October 6 that the group retains recently captured territory and continues attacks. The Saudi-led coalition claims strikes on Houthi targets in Hodeidah and thwarting an attack on southern Red Sea waterways. Explosions are reported in Riyadh overnight October 5–6; the Houthis claim missile and drone attacks on King Khalid International Airport, a Saudi Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha International Airport and the Aqifa military camp, and declare Saudi airspace an operational zone. The report then describes an October 5 emergency Mecca Defense Alliance committee meeting of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. Their joint statement commits to collective defence and rapid agreed-force deployment to Saudi Arabia and condemns attempted attacks on Mecca and Medina and continuing attacks on Saudi Arabia without identifying those responsible. Territorial and strike claims are attributed; troop arrival is not established.

Pakistan and Turkey announce plans to send troops and military equipment to Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks. Tagesthemen cites a statement and explains the August Mecca agreement's collective-defense rule. The announcement develops the existing pact and conflict; it does not establish that the promised forces have arrived. Tagesschau's October 6 follow-up identifies the Riyadh meeting and reported pact activation, recalls Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and airports and carries Ramin Sina's assessment. He considers Pakistani troops likely and Turkish drones or defense systems probable, describes military cooperation and a Saudi show of strength, and says a Turkish/Pakistani invasion of Yemen is not under discussion. He expects no quick turning point against the Houthis. These are promises and assessments, not proof that the forces arrived. CCTV's October 6 account locates the October 5 emergency Saudi–Pakistani–Turkish Mecca Defense Alliance committee meeting in Riyadh. It cites the joint statement committing to immediate collective defence and rapid agreed-force deployment to Saudi Arabia. The statement condemns attempted attacks on Mecca and Medina and continuing Saudi attacks without identifying those responsible. The pledged deployment is not evidence of troop arrival.