Turkey's parliament is considering a pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan that may lead to a separate mandate for Turkish personnel in the kingdom, Reuters reported, citing an AK Party lawmaker.
Turkey submitted the agreement for ratification on Oct. 20, after the three countries signed it Aug. 7. EconoTimes previously covered the pact's submission to parliament.
The lawmaker told Reuters that Turkey's initial personnel would be defense specialists supporting Saudi air defense and electronic warfare. The official said personnel serving under the pact would not take part in offensive missions.
Reuters also cited two officials who had expected Turkey's contribution to involve military equipment, intelligence sharing and weapons systems. Those officials said no personnel had been deployed under the alliance at that time.
Turkey has condemned Houthi attacks and agreed to join a Saudi-led coalition to protect navigation in the Red Sea, Reuters reported. The lawmaker said Ankara would submit the separate deployment mandate after parliament approves the ratification bill.
