The Evolving Makkah Alliance: A Step Towards Military Collaboration
The Makkah Alliance has transitioned from political posturing to actionable cooperation in under two months, although it still has some important steps to complete before functioning as a full military alliance. In a recent meeting of its Strategic Political and Defence Committee held in Riyadh on October 5, the coalition took significant strides towards implementing collective defense commitments.
Urgency Due to Regional Threats
The rising threats from Yemen’s Ansar Allah group, commonly known as the Houthis, have undoubtedly fueled the urgency for the alliance’s operationalization. Throughout September and into early October, this group launched missiles and drones targeting key areas in southern Saudi Arabia, including crucial energy facilities. Notably, an attack managed to hit a power station in Madina that supplies electricity to the revered Masjid-i-Nabvi. Concurrently, the Aden-based Presidential Leadership Council declared a counteroffensive to reclaim territory lost to the Houthis, claiming to have recaptured important locations along the Red Sea coast, although these assertions are subject to ongoing disputes.
The meeting in Riyadh and the evolving situation in Yemen appear interconnected, even if they do not form part of a unified operational strategy. It is noteworthy that the committee’s statements did not mention specific locations or groups, highlighting a more cautious approach to tackling the ongoing conflict.
Progress and Institutional Milestones
Since its inception on August 7, the alliance has achieved several milestones, including a summit and subsequent meetings aimed at solidifying the framework for cooperation. A pivotal assessment occurred when military leaders gathered in Riyadh on September 25, opting to initiate intelligence sharing and military coordination. However, they notably omitted any mention of setting up a joint command. Simultaneously, discussions on ongoing “joint efforts” against threats to the Kingdom were held between military officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The October 5 meeting further bolstered the alliance’s structure by appointing retired Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary general and authorizing the rapid deployment of agreed military capabilities. Despite these advancements, the alliance has yet to establish critical components like a designated standing force, a joint commander, and well-defined rules of engagement or military doctrine.
Defensive Mandate and Future Challenges
A review of the alliance’s objectives reveals a predominantly defensive posture. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has remarked that the agreement lacks an offensive agenda, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that Pakistani and Turkish forces would primarily serve in supporting roles, with Saudi forces responsible for direct combat operations. The October decision further emphasizes this approach by focusing on capabilities for deployment within Saudi Arabia rather than engaging in joint offensives.
However, differences in the countries’ expectations are apparent. Saudi Arabia seeks robust protection and greater offensive pressure against aggressors, while Pakistan aims to honor its commitments without embarking on direct involvement in Yemen’s conflict. Similarly, Turkey desires a more significant regional influence but must navigate its internal political landscape. The necessity to maintain a defensive mission could accommodate these varying interests, as long as the alliance does not transition towards offensive military engagements.
The Path Ahead: Integration and Legal Considerations
While the potential for cooperation is evident, significant challenges remain. For the alliance to function effectively, interoperability among the three nations’ military systems must be developed. Presently, they utilize different equipment ecosystems, and no evidence supports the existence of a unified command structure. Intelligence sharing is underway, yet it does not guarantee that forces can operate cohesively.
Furthermore, legal frameworks present another layer of complexity. In Pakistan, deploying troops abroad necessitates parliamentary approval, a step that has not been publicly undertaken for this alliance. This could impede the expansion of military roles beyond mere defensive support within Saudi territory. Likewise, Turkey faces constitutional restrictions that require parliamentary consent for troop deployments abroad, a process that could delay military responses.
In conclusion, the Makkah Alliance has made notable strides since its formation but must navigate existing political frameworks and operational challenges to solidify its role as a viable military coalition. With increasing regional threats and diverse national interests, the future of the alliance will depend on its ability to adapt and respond to these evolving dynamics.