Capital of Medina Province, Saudi Arabia; cradle of Islamic culture
Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani chiefs of staff have met in Riyadh to begin turning the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement into operational cooperation after a recent surge in Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and shipping. Officials have agreed to deepen military and intelligence ties and to integrate defensive capabilities under the pact.
The Houthis have seized the Red Sea coast and three strategic islands, while Saudi Arabia shuts the East-West pipeline and Iraq closes border crossings amid attacks blamed on drones from Iraq. The moves threaten oil shipments and push prices above $100 a barrel as regional tensions escalate.
Saudi Arabia has opened 103 investment opportunities across ecotourism, eco-lodges and environmental projects to private partners, aiming to sustain vegetation cover, support Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The program spans ecotourism, hospitality, parks and related services, with long-term and seasonal options and projected returns up to 16% IRR and potential GDP impact of SR1.4 billion. Opportunities cover multiple regions including Riyadh, Makkah and Madinah.
Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline remains shut after drone attacks, with authorities citing precautionary measures. Supplies are being rerouted to mitigate disruption, while markets price in potential longer-term supply risk as regional tensions escalate.
Saudi authorities have said they have intercepted a Houthi-launched drone south of Mecca and have called the attempt a "red line" because it targeted Islam's holiest sites. Regional capitals and Muslim organisations have condemned the strikes on Saudi cities and infrastructure, and analysts warn the attacks will raise pressure on shipping routes and global energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia has faced an intensified campaign of drone and missile attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis since July, and the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed in August has prompted Pakistan and Turkiye to discuss defensive support. Britain has approved time-limited refuelling for Saudi jets and the three allies are meeting to decide collective steps as attacks continue.
Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability as Gulf security ties deepen. Leaders cite de-escalation efforts and a trilateral defense framework with Turkiye and Pakistan, while warning that attacks by Yemen's Houthis will be met with decisive responses. The king and crown prince are outlining continued military and diplomatic measures amid recent confrontations in the Red Sea and border areas.
The attack targeted a civilian facility providing electrical services to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. A transformer went out of service, but the overall electrical grid remains unaffected. Investigations confirm the Houthis’ involvement, with authorities vowing deterrence and protection for holy sites.
Yemen's Houthi forces have intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences have intercepted drones and ballistic missiles toward Riyadh, Khamis Mushayt and other targets. Yemen's armed forces say they are stepping up strikes to restore state authority amid regional security concerns.