Has Pakistan Joined the 'Strike' Against Houthi Forces?

Since realizing it could not prevail against the Houthi forces, Saudi Arabia has begun seeking external support.

On the 7th, The New York Times cited multiple Pakistani officials stating that Pakistan had deployed aircraft to participate in operations targeting the Houthi movement.

However, it remains unclear precisely what The New York Times refers to as "strikes," as the accounts provided by these Pakistani officials are inconsistent: one official claimed that Pakistani aircraft conducted airstrikes on Houthi positions, while another stated the mission was focused on providing air support to mitigate the threat posed by Houthi drones and missiles—essentially fulfilling an air defense role.

Additionally, neither the Pakistani officials nor The New York Times disclosed the types or numbers of aircraft deployed—though it is likely they were F-16s or JF-17 fighters, both of which have previously been stationed by Pakistan in Saudi Arabia.

Beyond this, recent reports from U.S. media outlet AXIOS suggest Syria may also send troops to assist Saudi Arabia in countering the Houthis.

However, upon closer examination, AXIOS’s actual statement was that the United States does not oppose the possibility of Syria deploying military forces to support Saudi Arabia in its campaign against the Houthis. U.S. Central Command reportedly offered several recommendations regarding such deployment, but Syria has not yet made a formal commitment. Instead, Damascus has reiterated its general stance of supporting Saudi Arabia.

It is worth noting that the Syrian interim government may be receiving financial backing from Saudi Arabia. Yet, when Joulani advanced from Idlib into Damascus, his objective appeared to be establishing himself as a new sovereign ruler in Syria—not merely serving as a subordinate to Gulf monarchs.

Moreover, even if Joulani wished to deploy forces, it is uncertain whether he could effectively command the notoriously unreliable Syrian 84th Division, which has been mentioned in media reports.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878479205556227/

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