Turkey to Seek Parliamentary Approval for Deploying Military Personnel to Saudi Arabia

Turkey plans to forward a legislative mandate to parliament that would permit the sending of military personnel to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The proposal, disclosed by an unnamed AK Party lawmaker, will follow parliamentary approval of the pact itself. Initial deployments are expected to consist of technical experts to assist with air-defence systems and electronic-warfare capabilities, with no role in offensive actions.

Previous statements from officials suggested Turkey's involvement would be confined to providing equipment, sharing intelligence and supplying weapons, and that no troops have yet been sent under the agreement. Additionally, Turkey has agreed to participate in a Saudi-led coalition aimed at ensuring safe navigation in the Red Sea amid Houthi attacks. The move brings Turkey's NATO-ranked forces closer to a formal mutual-defence commitment with Riyadh.