The US media outlet The New York Times has reported that Pakistan Air Force fighter jets are being used in attacks against the Houthi rebels—a group backed by Iran—in Yemen.
In a report published on Thursday, the newspaper stated that Pakistani fighter jets are participating in operations against the Houthis just days after Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey activated their trilateral military pact, the ‘Mecca Accord.’
Citing a senior Pakistani military official, the New York Times report noted that Pakistan Air Force jets are being utilized to strike Houthi targets. The official provided this information on the condition of anonymity.
Citing David O. Smith, a former US Army officer and former US military attaché to Pakistan, the report mentions that analysts estimate approximately 8,000 Pakistani troops have been deployed to Saudi Arabia. This contingent includes personnel from the Air Force and the Army Air Defense.
According to Smith, the primary responsibility of these troops may be to protect Saudi oil installations. However, it is believed that Pakistani soldiers will not participate in direct ground combat against the Houthis, as Islamabad seeks to maintain its relationship with Iran.
Another Pakistani official stated that instead of conducting ground operations in Yemen, Pakistan’s role might be limited to degrading the Houthis’ drone and missile strike capabilities by providing air support.
The Pakistani military has not commented on the matter.
However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has rejected the New York Times report, labeling it ‘fake and fabricated.’
