In an effort to halt a major advance by the Houthi armed group, Pakistan reportedly delivered four cargo planes loaded with weapons to the Saudi-backed and internationally recognized Yemeni government in September.

This arms supply comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to launch a major military offensive against the Houthis.

According to a Reuters report on Friday (October 2), the weapons sent by Pakistan have arrived in the Yemeni port city of Aden, signaling an increased depth of Pakistani involvement in the ongoing Yemeni conflict.

Citing a Pakistani government official, Reuters reported that Pakistan has supplied air defense systems, light artillery, drones, and anti-drone systems to Aden.

Additionally, Pakistani military advisors are stationed in Yemen alongside Saudi officials to assist Yemeni forces.

Western and Arab officials told Middle East Eye that Saudi Arabia is preparing high-intensity military operations to block a sweeping Houthi advance, noting that the group has already taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast.

Intense fighting has raged around Taiz over recent days, with the group destroying a bridge on Thursday connecting government-controlled areas near Taiz to Aden.

If the Houthis capture Taiz from the government, the northern government-controlled areas will be cut off from the port city of Aden, severely disrupting government supply lines.

Key Highlights & Escalating Regional Tensions
Airstrike Surge: Amid these developments, Saudi Arabia has intensified airstrikes against the Houthis. The Houthis reported that Saudi Arabia launched 94 airstrikes in a single day on Thursday, while the Yemeni government stated on Friday that it carried out over 450 attacks targeting Houthi positions, resulting in casualties exceeding 1,500 Houthi fighters.

Saudi Operations: Saudi Arabia announced that its military conducted an operation destroying a "vital target" in Sana'a, struck 11 targets in Sa'ada, and carried out 27 airstrikes targeting an "integrated military system" in Taiz.

Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure: The Houthis have also targeted Saudi civilian infrastructure, including Riyadh Airport. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia accused the group of attacking a power distribution station in the holy city of Medina.

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen stated that a drone struck the Taibah power distribution station—which supplies electricity to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi—though the Houthis denied involvement.

The "Mecca Pact" Test: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share decades-old military ties. However, the extent to which Pakistan and Turkey will assist Saudi Arabia against the Houthis is seen as the first major test following the "Mecca Pact," a joint defense agreement signed by the three nations in August.

Regional Dynamics: While experts note that Pakistan and Turkey must weigh their security concerns alongside relations with Riyadh—especially given Pakistan's neighbor Iran providing the Houthis with weapons, intelligence, and military advisors—the United States remains Saudi Arabia's most vital security partner, though the Trump administration has not taken a public role in the ongoing fighting.

To counter the Houthis, Riyadh is actively seeking additional allies, including taking initiatives this week to normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, overcoming previous disputes over support for southern separatist movements.