Pakistan has dispatched four cargo planes loaded with weaponry to the Saudi-backed and internationally recognized government of Yemen. This shipment was sent last September at a time when government forces are striving to halt the advance of the Iran-backed Houthi armed group and reclaim lost territory.

News agency Reuters published a report on this development last Friday, stating that the Pakistani arms shipment was sent to the Yemeni port city of Aden. This move underscores Islamabad's deepening involvement in the ongoing multinational conflict involving the Houthis in Yemen.

Reuters further reported that Islamabad supplied air defense systems, light artillery, drones, and anti-drone systems to Aden. A Pakistani government official disclosed this information to the agency on condition of anonymity. Additionally, Pakistani military advisors are present on the ground alongside Saudi military officials, assisting Yemeni government troops.

Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of attacking a power distribution station in the holy city of Medina. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen stated that a drone struck the Taibah power distribution station, which supplies electricity to the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi). However, the Houthis have denied the allegation.

Several Western and Arab officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told *Middle East Eye* that Saudi Arabia is preparing for a major military operation to counter Houthi attacks. The Houthis have gained control over the entire Red Sea coastal region of Yemen, prompting Saudi Arabia to take these measures.

In recent days, reports have emerged of intense fighting around the Yemeni city of Taiz. Last Thursday, the Houthis destroyed a bridge in a government-controlled area of ​​Taiz; the bridge had connected the city to Aden. If the city of Taiz falls under the full control of the Houthis, Aden will be completely cut off from the government-controlled areas in the north. This would also disrupt the government's supply lines.

Saudi Arabia has intensified its airstrikes against the Houthis. Last Thursday, the Houthis reported that Saudi Arabia had launched 94 airstrikes against them in the preceding 24 hours. Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday that its military had conducted operations targeting "key sites" in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a.

Additionally, strikes were carried out against 11 targets in the Yemeni city of Saada. The country also reported 27 airstrikes on an "integrated military system" in Taiz. Meanwhile, the Houthis have also attacked Saudi civilian infrastructure, including Riyadh airport.

The extent of support Pakistan and Turkey provide to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis is being closely monitored, as the three nations signed a joint defense pact—known as the "Mecca Agreement"—last August. Providing united support against the Houthis could serve as the first major test for the implementation of this agreement.

Last Thursday, Saudi Arabia accused the Houthis of attacking a power distribution station in the holy city of Medina. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen stated that a drone struck the Taibah power distribution station, which supplies electricity to the holy Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi). However, the Houthis have denied the allegation.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a military relationship spanning decades. However, the extent of support Pakistan and Turkey provide to Saudi Arabia against the Houthis is being closely monitored, as the three nations signed a joint defense pact—known as the "Mecca Agreement"—last August. Providing united support against the Houthis could serve as the first major test for the implementation of this agreement.

The United States remains Saudi Arabia's most important security partner. However, US President Donald Trump's administration has not taken a public stance on the fight against the Houthis, even though the US—like Pakistan—has deployed military advisors and weapon systems to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is now scrambling to find allies to counter the Houthis. This week, Riyadh took public steps to mend ties with the United Arab Emirates; the two Gulf neighbors had previously been at odds over support for separatist groups in southern Yemen.

As part of this effort, UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed visited Saudi Arabia. He was welcomed in Riyadh last Tuesday by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Source: Middle East Eye