As clashes between the Houthis and the Saudis intensify, the Palace regime continues its preparations to send troops to Yemen. The Ministry of Defence has announced that the authorisation decision is before Parliament. Trump had said, ‘Erdoğan won’t let me down’.

16.10.2026 11:52

Giriş: 16.10.2026 11:52

Güncelleme: 16.10.2026 11:53

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Photo: AA

Politics Service

As attacks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis head towards all-out war, the deployment of troops from Turkey to Yemen under the Mecca Agreement remains a key issue on the agenda. Following US President Donald Trump’s remark that “Erdoğan fulfils my requests”, the Ministry of National Defence has referred the matter of sending troops to Parliament.

Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence (MSB), stated at yesterday’s weekly briefing that the attacks on Saudi Arabia had further escalated tensions in the region.

A MOTION MAY BE TABLED

In response to a question regarding the military force Turkey could provide to Saudi Arabia, he replied: “The agreement must be approved by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, and the necessary authorisation processes for the deployment of the Turkish Armed Forces abroad must be completed.”

Suggesting that troops could be deployed should a parliamentary authorisation be granted, Aktürk noted that this would be subject to assessments by the relevant authorities, taking into account Saudi Arabia’s needs and requests, developments on the ground and operational requirements. Defence Minister Yaşar Güler had also stated in a previous day’s statement that “Turkey will continue to contribute to the security of its allies”.

The Mecca Agreement between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was signed in late August. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who travelled to Saudi Arabia last week, signed the “decision to provide and rapidly deploy the agreed military forces to Saudi Arabia” at the Pact meeting in Riyadh.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that an attack on any one of the parties shall be deemed an attack on all parties.

US President Donald Trump, commenting on the decision by Turkey and Pakistan to send military forces to Saudi Arabia, said: “These countries want to help Saudi Arabia; I think that’s a wonderful thing.” The day before, Trump had also responded to a question from Halk TV’s Washington correspondent, Serra Karaçam, who asked: “Will you invite Turkey to intervene in Yemen?” to which he replied: “I might. He (AKP President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) is a wonderful person. As you know, he is a very close friend of mine; I could do that. I have great respect for the President of Turkey. I believe President Erdoğan will fulfil my request. I have a great deal of respect for him.” Trump had previously stated on numerous occasions that “Erdoğan does not go against my wishes”.

WARNING OF A WAR QUAGMIRE

Whilst the joint defence agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is being debated in Parliament, the scope of any potential military contribution has not yet been fully clarified.

AKP President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had indicated during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday that support would continue.

The meeting took place following attacks targeting Riyadh International Airport in Saudi Arabia. Thirteen people were killed and more than 300 injured in Saturday’s attack. Saudi forces had also bombed Sana’a and other cities.

The opposition is vehemently opposing the Yemen resolution on the grounds that the one-man regime will drag the country into a war quagmire.

HUTHIS SHOT DOWN A PLANE

Clashes between the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia are also intensifying. Al-Masirah TV, affiliated with the Houthis, reported that the capital, Sana’a, had come under air strikes by Saudi forces. The Saudi-backed Arab Coalition, meanwhile, stated that a drone had been intercepted in the east of the country.

Note: This article is translated from the original article titled Erdoğan Trump’ın isteklerini kırmaz, published in BirGün newspaper on October 16, 2026.