Pakistan Sends Weapons To Yemen As Saudi Arabia Prepares Major Houthi Offensive

New Delhi: New information has come to light regarding Pakistan's role amid Saudi Arabia's military preparations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to a Reuters report, Pakistan sent military equipment to Yemen's Aden city via four cargo planes in September. These aircraft included air defense systems, light artillery, drones and anti-drone systems. Aden is the centre of Yemen's Saudi-backed and internationally recognised government. 

What did Pakistan send to Yemen?

According to Reuters, the consignment of Pakistani weapons and military equipment reached Aden last month via four cargo planes. A Pakistani government official said that this includes air defense systems, light artillery, drones and anti-drone systems. According to the report, Pakistan's military advisors are also supporting the Yemeni forces in collaboration with Saudi officials. However, Pakistan has not yet decided to send its troops to Yemen in a combat role.

What preparations is Saudi Arabia making against the Houthis?

This military aid has come at a time when Saudi Arabia is preparing a new military campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to Reuters, the potential operation could be led by Saudi-backed Yemeni ground forces and supported by Saudi airstrikes. An important objective of the campaign is said to be to push back the influence of Houthis on the important sea route of the Red Sea and the Bab-al-Mandeb region. 

How much has Pakistan's role increased?

After the recent joint defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, there is also an eye on military cooperation between the two countries. Reuters quoted Pakistani and other officials as saying that Pakistan has provided defence equipment to Saudi Arabia and that its military advisers are working with Saudi officials in Yemen. However, available reports have not confirmed Pakistan's involvement in direct combat operations inside Yemen.

Why did Saudi Arabia need Pakistan's help?

Drone and missile attacks by rebels have raised concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia and its critical infrastructure. In such a situation, air defence and anti-drone systems are being considered an important part of Saudi strategy. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia has sought defensive systems and other military assistance from several allied countries. France has also announced sending defensive systems and soldiers to protect the Yanbu port located on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. 

Why is tension increasing again in Yemen?

Recent developments in Yemen have created the most serious military tension since 2022. Fighting has escalated between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces. According to Reuters, Yemen's internationally recognised government has reported 20 airstrikes within three hours on Houthi positions in Taiz province. Control over Taiz is considered important in terms of access to the Red Sea coastal areas and Aden. 

Will Pakistan go directly into war?

Currently available information does not confirm Pakistan's direct entry into ground war in Yemen. According to Reuters report, Pakistan has provided military equipment and advisers, while the role of Pakistani troops deployed in Saudi Arabia is said to be mainly related to the security of the Saudi border and defense against drone-missile attacks. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also said in September that Pakistan would use its available capabilities to defend Saudi Arabia, but he did not confirm direct combat involvement of Pakistani forces in Yemen.