Latest news on the Turkish troops being sent to Saudi Arabia

Ankara (Caasimada Online) – The Turkish Parliament approved on Friday the law to ratify the defense agreement with Mecca, which states that an attack on one of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan is considered an attack on all three.

279 lawmakers voted for the law, while 119 opposed it. The majority of support came from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its coalition partner, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

The opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) also supported the law. The party has split into two factions after its leader was removed from office by a court order. The new leadership is increasingly aligning with the government's positions.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to publish the law this week in the official government gazette, at which point the law will come into effect.

The three countries signed the agreement in August, and it was submitted to the Turkish Parliament last month.

The agreement requires the parties to take necessary measures to stand together if one of them faces an armed attack against its sovereignty, independence, or territorial integrity. The text does not specify any particular country or region considered a threat.

The agreement consists of 16 articles and does not have an expiration date. A signatory country can only withdraw after 10 years from its implementation, and it must notify the other countries in writing at least three months before withdrawing.

Informed sources have told Middle East Eye that the three countries have pledged to officially ratify the agreement before the consultations they will hold this month. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan announced last month that they had completed the ratification.

Plan to send troops to Saudi Arabia

Turkish officials have stated that the next step is to obtain parliamentary approval to send troops to Saudi Arabia. These forces would assist Riyadh in defending against attacks launched by the Houthis from Yemen.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated last week that any operation involving Turkish troops sent to Saudi Arabia would be defensive and that the troops would not operate inside Yemen.

Another source speaking to Middle East Eye indicated that Ankara needs to negotiate with the other two countries an agreement defining the legal status of the troops and accompanying personnel, and then ratify it.

This agreement, known as SOFA, would clarify who has the authority to bring criminal and civil charges involving the troops and personnel.

Such agreements typically regulate the entry and exit of foreign personnel, customs and tax matters, vehicle registration, and the legal rights of the troops while they are in that country.

It is still unclear if the negotiations for that agreement have been concluded.