Retired US Navy Admiral James Stavridis has proposed involving Pakistan troops in a wider Saudi-led effort against Yemen’s Houthis, alongside naval assistance from Turkiye and European countries.
Stavridis, a former supreme allied commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), outlined his recommendations in a column published on Monday.
He argued that Saudi Arabia should seek additional partners rather than depend entirely on the United States for military assistance.
Stavridis identified Pakistan’s experience in mountainous terrain as a potential advantage in confronting Houthi fighters in Yemen. He specifically praised the Frontier Corps and other Pakistani units for their experience in difficult terrain. “The crown prince would be wise to press the Pakistanis for help,” he wrote.
His proposal draws on the Mecca defence pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. Stavridis suggested that Turkish naval vessels could help protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He urged European governments to expand their maritime contribution through the European Union’s existing Operation Aspides.
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The mission currently protects commercial vessels against threats in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Stavridis also raised the possibility of discreet cooperation with Israel, particularly on maritime security. These recommendations represent the retired admiral’s proposals, not announced military deployments by the countries concerned.
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Britain has separately committed Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets to defensive missions protecting Saudi cities and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi attacks, including a strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10.
Saudi authorities reported at least 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries from that attack. The Saudi-led coalition blamed the Houthis. Pakistan previously declined to join the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen after parliament voted for neutrality in 2015.
