Houthi rebels dismiss Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense pact as 'photo op'

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have derided a new joint defense agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, labeling it a superficial "commemorative photo session." The rebels asserted that the pact, which links the security of the three Sunni-majority powers, will not deter their movement.

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The most the head of the Saudi regime (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) will get from these events is a commemorative photo session.

The Houthi foreign ministry, in a statement, suggested that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's primary gain from such events would be commemorative photographs. They urged Riyadh to focus on ending the blockade and hostile actions against Yemen instead of seeking external solutions. The rebels accused the Saudi monarchy of buying allegiances and wasting its oil wealth on such pacts, which Saudi Arabia claims are for deterrence.

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Riyadh should work to end the blockade and all hostile activities in Yemen, instead of seeking solutions to the difficult situation it finds itself in.

Houthi leadership vowed to continue defending Yemen's legitimate rights, regardless of challenges. They also warned that any country joining Riyadh's military campaign or its 12-year blockade against Yemen would be considered an aggressor. The alliance formally merges the military capacities of Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed nation in the Muslim world; Turkey, with the second-largest NATO army; and Saudi Arabia, a regional economic pillar.

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No regional or global bloc will be able to confiscate the legitimate rights of the Yemeni people.

The Houthi statement comes amid ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting the government against the Houthi rebels since 2015. The rebels accuse Saudi Arabia of controlling Yemen's airspace and maritime routes.

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Even if they get the support of the whole world, it will be of no use to them!