Turkey to deploy troops and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

According to Middle East Eye, Ankara aims to send additional personnel, pilots and aircraft to help protect Saudi infrastructure, with further deployments subject to parliamentary approval[1].Two Turkish officials told MEE that Turkey had maintained technical teams, air defence systems and electronic warfare equipment in the kingdom since last year to protect critical infrastructure, including energy facilities.[1]The officials told the outlet that a limited number of Turkish special forces could be deployed after the Turkish parliament approves a formal authorisation, which is expected later this month.[1]Separate sources told MEE that the Turkish military would then send experienced pilots and aircraft to counter Houthi drones and ballistic missiles.[1]A senior Turkish official told MEE: "We don't plan to send a large group of soldiers and have no plans to directly intervene in Yemen."[1] The official added that "Ankara still believes diplomatic efforts might bear fruit in coming months."[1]Reuters, as published by Nikkei Asia, reports that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey agreed on Monday to ensure the "rapid deployment" of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia[2]. Euronews reports that the statement did not specify what sort of role the troops would fill once in Saudi Arabia.[3]Turkish Minute reports that the Houthis have repeatedly attacked Saudi cities, oil infrastructure and ships since fighting in Yemen's civil war resumed in July.[4] According to MEE, the Houthis have denied trying to target the holy cities of Mecca and Medina[1].