Syria considering entry into Mecca defence pact, says foreign minister | Military News
Syria Considers Joining Mecca Alliance with Regional Powers
Published October 31, 2026
Syria’s government is currently evaluating the possibility of joining a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, according to Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. He disclosed this information during the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain on Saturday.
“Discussions are currently under way to assess Syria’s entry into the Mecca alliance,” al-Shaibani stated.
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was established in August between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. This pact stipulates that an attack on one member will be considered an attack on all, drawing parallels to the NATO alliance among the United States, Canada, and numerous European nations.
Saudi Arabia, facing significant pressure from Houthi forces in Yemen, has emerged as a prominent supporter of the Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa assumed power following the ouster of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Under the Mecca pact, Turkey and Pakistan have committed to providing military support to Saudi Arabia amidst increasing Houthi assaults. However, neither nation has declared any active military operations against the Houthis so far. Turkish officials have indicated that any military assistance to Riyadh will not involve deploying troops for combat in Yemen.
During the Bahrain conference, al-Shaibani emphasized Syria’s role as an essential component of regional security. He expressed support for frameworks designed to enhance regional stability.
He remarked, “The region is in greater need than ever of developing joint deterrence and defense systems.” Al-Shaibani reiterated Syria’s backing for the internationally recognized Saudi-supported government in Yemen, which is striving to reclaim sovereignty and stability from Houthi forces.
Additionally, the minister called for collective support of state unity and sovereignty. Separately, he reported that Israel has conducted over 1,000 attacks on Syria in less than two years, resulting in numerous casualties.
“Calls for border control and the exclusive placement of weapons under state authority cannot be justified while Syrian sovereignty is violated daily,” he questioned.
