Syria is weighing the possibility of joining a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, according to the country's foreign minister. This potential move comes as the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen continues to escalate.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which was signed in August, aims to strengthen cooperation between its member states, and Syria's entry into the pact could have significant implications for the region. The Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is reportedly evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks of joining the alliance, which could potentially entangle more countries in the ongoing conflict.
If Syria were to join the pact, it would likely have significant consequences for the regional balance of power, particularly given the existing tensions between Israel and Syria, with Israel having carried out over 1,000 attacks on Syria in less than two years.
Evidence lens
2 cited sources are linked to this briefing.