Saudi capital targeted as Türkiye pledges aid
Houthi attacks targeted Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, with missiles and drones, and civilian sites including critical oil infrastructure. Saudi defenses intercepted many projectiles; drone debris caused civilian casualties. The Houthi group claimed responsibility, citing Saudi-led operations in Yemen. This aggression follows their maritime blockade on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, complicating security in a crucial global shipping corridor.The international community has reacted. Türkiye announced readiness to provide military support to Saudi Arabia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed this under the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement," a trilateral pact by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan. The agreement stipulates an armed attack on any signatory is an attack on all. Türkiye condemned the assaults, supporting Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.Meanwhile, Italy is considering independent naval escort operations for its merchant ships in the Red Sea. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto highlighted the urgency, citing frustration over delays within the EU's Aspides mission. Rome believes it cannot wait given renewed threats to shipping, which have already contributed to rising gas prices. Italy aims to deploy additional warships to ensure commercial shipping lanes remain open and secure. This unilateral consideration underscores growing European concern regarding international waterway security amidst regional instability.
