The Mecca Defense Pact Committee will meet in Riyadh on Monday to discuss the crisis in Yemen and regional developments

The political and defense strategic committee of the Mecca Pact, concluded between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, will meet on Monday in Riyadh to analyze recent developments in the region and the situation in Yemen. The meeting takes place amid escalating clashes with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

Ankara’s Foreign Ministry announced that the meeting will be attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Chief of the General Staff, General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will also be represented by senior officials.

The leader of the Riyadh-backed Yemeni government announced on Sunday the launch of a major military operation against the Houthi rebels, with the aim of retaking the territories under their control.

The meeting will also address Iran’s proposal to initiate a political dialogue with the Houthis, put forward after the attacks launched by the Yemeni group. Ankara stated that participants will also discuss the institutionalization of the defense alliance.