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The Latest Breaking News from Mecca

First-ever attack alert in Mecca sparks panic in Saudi; Muslim groups condemn Houthis

For the first time ever in the history of the Islamic holy city, Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued an emergency alert warning of a possible hostile aerial attack in Mecca.

The Times of India

Pakistan abandons Mecca pact ally Saudi Arabia to attack Houthis in Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Kingdom reaches out to rival Israel for help

Saudi Arabia has indirectly approached Israel for intelligence assistance against the Houthis through US Central Command, despite not recognising Israel or maintaining diplomatic ties with it. The outreach comes as Houthi forces impose a maritime blockade threatening Saudi economic and energy interests, while Pakistan, a partner in the Mecca defence…

The Economic Times

Iran-US war latest: Saudi Arabia says it downed drone near Mecca as US House votes to rein in Trump’s powers

Trump says he is open to negotiations to end the war with Iran, but stresses the final decision rests with him

The Independent UK

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Middle East live: Saudi Arabia accuses Houthi rebels of launching a drone strike on Mecca

Saudi Arabia's air defences claim to have intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday, which the Iran-aligned rebels denied. Meanwhile, several explosions were heard on the island of Qeshm, near the Strait of Hormuz. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.

France 24

Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drone near Mecca, warns of ‘red line’ over holy sites

Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered prohibited airspace, the Saudi-led coalition said. The incident marked the second reported Houthi attempt to target the holy city. Saudi Arabia issued security alerts amid escalating attacks by Iran-aligned fighters across the kingdom.

The Economic Times

Saudi Arabia issues brief danger alerts for Mecca, Jeddah, Taif amid Houthi escalation

Saudi Arabia’s civil defence on Tuesday issued brief alerts warning of potential danger in Mecca, Jeddah and Taif amid an escalation in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen. The alert for Mecca, home to Islam’s holiest site, was the first such warning during the latest escalation, but authorities said…

The Times of India

Munir won’t recue MBS: Why the Mecca Pact's first test is failing Saudi Arabia

As Houthi forces seized Mokha and Perim Island last week, Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir spent the moment on the phone with Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

The Times of India

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Mecca Pact, but no troops yet: Pak expresses 'solidarity' with Saudi after Houthi attacks

Pakistan voiced strong solidarity with Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks. These strikes threaten regional peace and could disrupt global energy supplies. Prime Minister Sharif discussed these issues with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The recent Houthi advances have also intensified concerns over Red Sea shipping routes. A mutual-defense pact…

The Times of India

Pakistan killed Palestinians for Jordan. Will it kill Houthis for Saudi?

Houthi attacks near Saudi Arabia have intensified, prompting a cautious response from Pakistan. Pakistan's defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey is now being tested by these events. The nation is carefully balancing its relationship with Saudi Arabia and its neighbor Iran. Historical military ties with Arab nations are noted,…

The Economic Times

Pakistan blinks on Houthis, walks back Saudi defence warning within 24 hours

Pakistan has clarified that there are no current discussions about military responses related to the Mecca defense pact, following recent warnings from its defense minister. The agreement aims to enhance deterrence and defense cooperation among the involved nations, becoming active only if the Yemen conflict spreads to Saudi Arabia. Additionally,…

The Times of India

'Attack on one is attack on all': Pakistan warns Houthis, invokes Mecca defence pact

Pakistan warned Tuesday that its newly formed defence alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye could be activated if the conflict in Yemen spills into Saudi territory, saying there should be “no ambiguity” that an attack on any one of the three members would be treated as an attack on all.

The Times of India

Mecca Pact and Bangladesh: Why Dhaka is keeping the door open to 'Islamic Nato'

In August, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye unveiled what has informally been dubbed the “Islamic Nato”. Named after Makkah, Islam’s holiest city, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement or simply the Mecca pact—is based on the principle that an armed attack on one member would be considered an attack on all…

The Times of India

Bangladesh sees no risk in joining Mecca Pact: State Foreign Minister

Bangladesh is exploring the possibility of joining a defense alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, aimed at fostering collective security among the countries. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir emphasized that this step poses no risk for Dhaka and will not limit its relationships with other nations. Positive discussions…

The Economic Times

In 1953, a Hong Kong imam brought eight date palms from Mecca; one survived and later officials changed a road route rather than cut it down

In 1953, an imam named Ai Pok-tak returned to Hong Kong from a pilgrimage to Mecca carrying eight date-palm saplings, hoping to grow a piece of his faith in a city where the tree was rarely seen. Only one survived. Planted outside the family's home near Hong Kong's border with…

The Times of India

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The Times of India

'Positive approach': Bangladesh ministers on possibility of joining Mecca pact

Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, two junior ministers have said, while stressing that any decision would be guided by the country’s national interests.

The Economic Times

Why Pakistan is boosting defence ties with a nation known for its pirates

Pakistan is expanding its defense engagement through a new security pact with Somalia. This agreement covers counter-terrorism, military training, and capacity building efforts. Days later, Pakistan joined Saudi Arabia and Turkey in a Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. This pact commits members to mutual defense and military coordination. These developments highlight…

The Independent UK

The creation of a ‘Muslim Nato’ shows Trump is losing his grip in the Middle East

IN FOCUS: After the chaos sparked by Trump and Israel’s war in Iran, experts tell Maira Butt that the Mecca Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey could represent a new dawn in the region

The Economic Times

Is America behind Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Mecca defence pact? Here’s what US President Donald Trump said on 'Islamic NATO'

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Defence Pact: US President Donald Trump has welcomed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, calling it an important step towards stronger regional security. Describing the agreement as a "BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP", he said he was "very happy" that…

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The Times of India

US backs 'Islamic Nato': Trump calls Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact 'big, bold and important step'

US President Donald Trump on Sunday threw his weight behind the newly signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, calling it a “big, bold, and important first step”.

The Conversation

A new ‘NATO of the East?’ Why the Mecca pact isn’t quite what it seems

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Pact, a new collective defence arrangement that connects the Middle East with South Asia.

International Business Times UK

Mecca Defence Pact Explained: The Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan NATO-Style Alliance

Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, pledging mutual defence and signalling a shift towards regional security cooperation amid tensions with Iran.

The Conversation

Saudi defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan is a verdict on the reliability of US security guarantees

Commentators predictably reacted to the news of the signing of a mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on August 7 by reaching for the label “Islamic Nato”. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that an armed attack on any one of them would be treated as an…

The Economic Times

India examining Mecca Joint Defence Agreement's impact on national security, regional stability, says MEA

India is closely examining the new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. This trilateral pact establishes a collective defence framework for the three participating nations. The agreement aims to strengthen regional and global peace, stability, and security. India remains committed to safeguarding its own national…

The Times of India

For India, the Mecca pact is a setback. For China, it's a warning

A new defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey has been signed. This agreement is seen as a setback for India's regional interests. China may benefit commercially from increased weapon system access. However, the pact could also reduce US military focus in West Asia. This shift might allow greater…

The Economic Times

With US taking a hostile approach to India, the 'Mecca pact' is threatening

A Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkiye defence pact could complicate India’s security environment by deepening military, technological and diplomatic cooperation among the three countries. The article argues India should respond through multi-alignment, stronger Gulf partnerships, naval preparedness and continued engagement with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

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