Syria is currently assessing the possibility of joining the Makkah defence alliance, a military pact formed by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated on Monday. The minister made the remarks during the Manama Dialogue security forum in Bahrain.
The Makkah alliance was established in August with the aim of providing mutual defense among its members, stipulating that an attack on one signatory would be considered an attack on all. The pact has gained attention amid intensified military activity from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have targeted Saudi Arabia with a series of attacks in recent months.
Saudi Arabia, a key backer of the Syrian government that came to power in December 2024 following the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad, has been seeking regional support to counter the Houthi offensive. While Saudi Arabia has faced ongoing assaults on its territory, neither Pakistan nor Turkiye—the other members of the alliance—have reported being directly targeted by Houthi forces.
International support for Saudi Arabia has also increased. Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced visit to Riyadh and confirmed the deployment of French troops to protect a vital Saudi oil facility from Houthi attacks. Following this, the United Kingdom announced it would send British fighter jets to assist Saudi Arabia’s defense efforts against the ongoing missile and drone strikes.
Syria’s potential accession to the Makkah pact could represent a significant development in regional security dynamics, indicating deeper cooperation among these nations. However, al-Shaibani noted that discussions are still underway to evaluate the implications and benefits of Syria’s membership.
The alliance’s expansion comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf and broader Middle East, as regional powers seek to counter influence and security threats posed by armed groups and proxy forces. Analysts say that Syria’s move to join the pact may reflect its evolving foreign policy following leadership changes and shifting alliances in the region.