Turkey approaches the front against the Houthis - military forces on the way

Turkey is preparing to expand military assistance to Saudi Arabia against the Houthi threat, with pilots, aircraft, defense systems, and electronic warfare. Ankara emphasizes that the assistance will be purely defensive, without entering combat in Yemen. Turkish forces have been in Saudi Arabia since last year to protect critical infrastructure.

Turkey is expanding its military presence in Saudi Arabia as part of the fight against the Houthi threat from Yemen. According to two Turkish sources, Ankara plans to send experienced pilots, aircraft, air defense systems, and electronic warfare equipment. Turkish forces have been in Saudi Arabia since last year, protecting critical infrastructure including energy facilities. Now, a senior Turkish official said additional equipment, technicians, emergency teams, and accompanying combat forces will be sent. A 2010 military training agreement between Saudi Arabia and Turkey allows for limited troop deployment, but a broader deployment would require parliamentary approval. Turkish forces will operate alongside Saudi and Pakistani counterparts at a joint coordination base, with a separate Turkish command unit. The Turkish military will assist in protecting the western part of Saudi Arabia's oil pipeline, the kingdom's capital, and the holy cities of Islam. However, Turkey clarifies there is no intention to directly intervene in the fighting in Yemen, and diplomatic efforts may bear fruit in the coming months.