Possibility of Syria Joining Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye’s Defence Alliance; Reports of Decision Made
DAMASCUS (Daily Qudrat): The chances of Syria joining the Makkah Joint Defence Pact comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have increased. According to the US news agency Associated Press (AP), two Syrian officials said that Damascus has decided to become part of this defence arrangement; however, it has not been officially announced. On the other hand, a regional official aware of the matters said that talks regarding the inclusion are still ongoing.
Therefore, it would not be correct at present to declare Syria a formal member of the alliance.
AP reported on 8 November, citing Syrian and regional officials, that defence cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia has accelerated. This development comes at a time when fighting between Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi-backed forces has intensified, and Saudi Arabia is increasing regional cooperation to protect its borders and key installations.
What Information Has Emerged About Syria’s Inclusion?
According to the AP report, two Syrian officials take the position that a decision to join the Makkah Joint Defence Pact has been made, but it has not yet been made public. However, a regional official did not confirm that the decision has become final and said that negotiations are continuing.
BREAKING: Syria is reportedly preparing to join the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.
Two Syrian officials said Damascus has already decided to join but has not publicly announced the move, while a regional official said talks remain ongoing.
Source: AP
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 9, 2026
All three officials spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani had also said at the Manama Dialogue conference held in Bahrain on 31 October that his country is examining the possibilities of joining the Makkah Defence Alliance. His statement had made clear that Damascus’s interest is not merely social media speculation but a matter under consideration at the official level.
What Is the Makkah Joint Defence Pact?
The Makkah Joint Defence Pact agreed between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in August 2026 includes the principle that an armed attack against any one member will be considered an attack against all three. Along with this, agreement was also reached on strengthening defence cooperation and links in the fields of joint security.
Pakistan Army’s spokesman has already made clear that the nature of this alliance is defensive, not offensive. For the inclusion of any new country, the consent of the political leadership of the existing members will be important.
New Defence Cooperation Between Saudi Arabia and Syria
On 4 November, a cooperation agreement was signed between the defence ministries of Saudi Arabia and Syria.
According to the Saudi news agency, the purpose of this agreement is to strengthen bilateral defence relations; however, all its details were not made public.
According to AP, Syrian military advisers have reached Saudi Arabia. The report, citing a Syrian official, stated that an initial contingent of about 600 Syrian special forces personnel is expected to be sent to Saudi Arabia.
However, this has not been officially confirmed, and Syrian authorities have denied reports of sending combat troops to Yemen. According to Damascus, cooperation with Saudi Arabia includes military training, capacity building and exchange of experiences.
Background of the Yemen War and Regional Security
Recent clashes between the Houthi movement and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen have increased security concerns in the region.
For Saudi Arabia, protecting its borders, cities and energy installations from missile and drone attacks has become an important priority.
In such circumstances, increasing defence cooperation with Syria is being seen in the context of changing security arrangements in the region. However, military training, possible deployment on the Saudi border and direct combat operations in Yemen are three separate matters; the available information does not prove all of these to be part of a single decision.
What Significance Will Syria’s Inclusion Have for Pakistan?
If Damascus formally joins the Makkah Pact, another important Middle Eastern country will be added to the existing defence arrangement of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. This could create new possibilities in regional defence consultation and joint security matters.
However, after the inclusion of a new member, the nature of practical responsibilities, possible military cooperation and implementation of the agreement will depend on formal decisions and relevant conditions. At present, no final announcement by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia or Turkiye recognising Syria as the fourth member has emerged in this report.
The basic confirmation of this news comes from the AP report of 8 November, the Syrian Foreign Minister’s statement of 31 October and the defence cooperation agreement between Saudi Arabia and Syria on 4 November.
