Pakistan has sent about 8,000 troops, a squadron of JF-17 fighter jets, drones and an HQ-9 air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defense agreement between the two countries, according to several security officials and government sources.
This deployment, revealed for the first time, aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's defensive capabilities in the event of further attacks against the kingdom. According to the sources cited, Saudi Arabia is funding the operation, while Pakistani personnel will maintain the deployed military equipment.
Islamabad is thus strengthening its strategic cooperation with Riyadh at the same time as Pakistan is trying to play a diplomatic role in the war between Iran and several regional actors.
The full details of the defense pact signed last year remain confidential. However, officials from both countries have already indicated that the agreement provides for mutual assistance in the event of an attack. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif had previously suggested that the agreement placed Saudi Arabia under Pakistani nuclear protection.
Neither the Pakistani army, nor the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor the Saudi authorities have officially responded to requests for comment regarding this deployment.
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