Islamabad/Riyadh, October 9, 2026: Pakistan Air Force aircraft have reportedly participated in recent strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, according to a New York Times report cited by The Indian Express. If confirmed, the reported involvement would signal a deeper Pakistani military role alongside Saudi Arabia as the conflict with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement intensifies.
Pakistani Jets Reportedly Join Yemen Strikes
According to the report, Pakistani military aircraft were involved in operations targeting Houthi positions in Yemen.
The strikes reportedly focused on locations used by the Houthis to launch attacks against Saudi airports and other infrastructure. However, the reported role of Pakistani aircraft has not been independently confirmed in the information available.
Saudi-Pakistan Defence Pact Comes Into Focus
Pakistan’s reported involvement is being viewed in the context of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement and expanding military cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The arrangement is intended to strengthen security coordination among the participating countries, including through collective defensive measures in response to threats against a signatory.
Pakistan Reportedly Deploying Additional Troops
Reuters has reported that Pakistan agreed to deploy additional troops to Saudi Arabia under the defence arrangement.
The precise number of personnel and the operational details of the deployment have not been publicly disclosed. The reported developments highlight the growing importance of military cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh amid escalating regional tensions.
Yemen Conflict Intensifies
The reported air operations come amid renewed fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops.
Saudi-backed forces have launched an offensive to regain territory near the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Yemen’s Red Sea coastline. The waterway is a major route for international shipping, making developments in the area significant for regional and global trade.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Raise Security Concerns
The Houthis have intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
Saudi airports, including facilities in Riyadh and Abha, have reportedly been hit or targeted. The attacks have raised concerns about civilian safety, critical infrastructure and the potential disruption of commercial aviation.
Airlines Disrupt Services to Riyadh
The deteriorating security situation has also affected air travel.
Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air and Lufthansa, have reportedly suspended or cancelled some services to Riyadh following explosions and missile activity around the Saudi capital.
Further disruptions will depend on the security situation and decisions taken by airlines and aviation authorities.
Pakistan Faces a Regional Diplomatic Challenge
A more direct Pakistani military role in Yemen could complicate Islamabad’s diplomatic relationships across the region.
Pakistan maintains longstanding defence ties with Saudi Arabia while also seeking to preserve relations with neighbouring Iran. Islamabad has previously played a diplomatic role during periods of regional tension, making any reported involvement in strikes against Iran-aligned Houthis particularly significant.
Reported Role Marks a Shift From Pakistan’s 2015 Position
The reported developments also recall Pakistan’s position in 2015, when its parliament declined to join the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.
The latest reports suggest a possible change in Pakistan’s military engagement with the regional conflict. However, the nature and extent of any direct operational involvement remain subject to confirmation.
Regional Conflict Risks Wider Involvement
Growing military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, alongside Turkey’s potential defensive and technical support, could have wider implications for the conflict.
Turkey has reportedly expressed willingness to assist Saudi Arabia with defensive and technical measures while ruling out participation in offensive military operations.
As tensions continue, the extent of involvement by regional powers will be a key factor in determining whether the conflict remains concentrated in Yemen or expands further across the region.
Source: The Indian Express, Reuters, Associated Press
Supreme News Network
