Pakistan has deployed 8,000 military personnel, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a joint defence pact between the two countries, according to reports.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia announced in September last year that they had signed a defence agreement under which any “aggression” against either country would be considered a hostile act against both.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Monday, citing three security officials and two government sources, that Pakistan had sent a large operational military force to Saudi Arabia.
The report said the force was intended to support the Saudi military in the event of further attacks on the kingdom.
All five sources said the deployment included around 8,000 troops, with a pledge to send more if needed, as well as a Chinese HQ-9 air defence system.
They said the equipment was operated by Pakistani personnel and financed by Saudi Arabia.
Two security officials who had seen communications and documents related to the deployment told Reuters the deployed personnel officially held training and advisory roles. However, the composition of the force — including fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and thousands of troops — suggested the mission extended far beyond a symbolic or training presence.
Neither the Pakistani nor Saudi governments have officially commented on the matter.
hz/kk
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