Erdogan Condemns Houthi Attacks On Saudi Arabia, Calls For Regional Stability

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned reported Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s main airport in Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed 12 people and injured hundreds. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for peace and regional stability. Erdogan also announced plans to submit the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August, to parliament for domestic approval.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly condemned reported Houthi militia attacks on the main airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, which reportedly killed 12 people and injured hundreds.
Erdogan made the remarks on Monday after chairing a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. He expressed Türkiye’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people, describing the attacks as “unlawful and inhumane”.
The Turkish president also extended his condolences to the families of those killed, including people performing the Umrah pilgrimage, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
His comments underline Türkiye’s stated support for Saudi Arabia amid growing security concerns in the Middle East. However, further verified details about the reported attack, the casualties and the circumstances surrounding the incident are needed to establish the full picture.

ERDOGAN CALLS FOR PEACE AND REGIONAL STABILITY

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s desire for peace and stability throughout the region.
He said Türkiye would continue to support peace based on “regional ownership”, a principle that emphasises the role of countries in the region in addressing their own security challenges through cooperation and dialogue.
The remarks reflect Ankara’s position that regional countries should play a central role in managing conflicts and reducing instability. Cooperation can involve diplomatic engagement, security coordination and agreements designed to strengthen relations between governments.
Erdogan’s condemnation also conveyed political support for Saudi Arabia following the reported loss of life. His statement, however, did not specify whether Türkiye would take any additional security measures in response to the incident.

MECCA JOINT DEFENCE AGREEMENT MOVES TOWARDS PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL

Erdogan also announced that preparations were underway to submit the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to Türkiye’s parliament in the coming days.
The agreement was signed in August by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Its submission to parliament is intended to complete Türkiye’s domestic approval procedures.
The development comes as the three countries pursue closer defence cooperation. Such arrangements can provide a framework for coordinating on shared security concerns, although their practical effects depend on the agreement’s terms, the approval process and how the participating countries implement their commitments.
The announcement did not provide further details about the agreement’s operational provisions or explain how it might apply to the reported attacks in Riyadh.
Parliamentary consideration is an important stage in Türkiye’s domestic process, but the announcement alone does not establish that the agreement has completed all necessary procedures or entered fully into force.

SECURITY CONCERNS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The reported airport attacks have drawn attention to the risks facing civilian infrastructure during periods of regional tension.
Major airports are essential for passenger travel, trade, emergency movement and other economic activities. Attacks on such facilities can result in casualties, disrupt operations and create wider concerns about public safety.
The reported deaths and injuries also highlight the potential human cost of attacks in populated areas, particularly when civilians and religious pilgrims may be among those affected.
Nevertheless, responsibility for the reported incident and the precise circumstances surrounding it should be assessed using verified information. The available statement from Erdogan focuses on condemnation and solidarity with Saudi Arabia rather than providing a detailed account of how the attack occurred.

NEXT STEPS FOR REGIONAL DEFENCE COOPERATION

Türkiye’s immediate announced step is to submit the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to parliament for domestic approval. The outcome of that process will help determine the agreement’s status and the next steps required for its implementation.
Erdogan’s remarks also reinforce Türkiye’s public position in support of Saudi Arabia and its call for regional stability. Whether the reported attack leads to additional diplomatic or security measures remains unclear.
For now, the key issues are establishing the circumstances of the reported incident, confirming the full extent of the casualties and understanding how the countries involved will respond. The progress of the defence agreement will also be closely watched as Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan continue their efforts to strengthen security cooperation.