Pakistan Denies Report That Its Fighter Jets Are Striking Houthis in Yemen

Pakistan has denied a report claiming that its fighter jets have joined Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against Yemen’s Houthi movement.

The New York Times reported that a senior Pakistani military official said Pakistan Air Force fighter jets were being used in strikes against Houthi targets. The report suggested that Pakistan’s involvement would mark a significant shift in Islamabad’s role in the renewed conflict.

However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has rejected the claim, describing the report as “fake and fabricated.” The ministry said details concerning the deployment or use of Pakistan’s military forces under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement would be provided by the appropriate authorities if necessary.

Pakistan has already committed military personnel to Saudi Arabia under its recently activated defence arrangement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif previously said Pakistani forces were playing a supporting role, including reconnaissance, while indicating that Saudi forces were carrying out the combat operations. The distinction is significant because direct Pakistani airstrikes against Houthi positions would represent a much deeper involvement in the Yemen conflict.

The controversy comes as fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Houthis has intensified.

Saudi Arabia has launched a major air campaign against Houthi positions in Yemen following attacks by the group on Saudi territory, including strikes targeting airports and other infrastructure. With Pakistan denying the specific allegation about its fighter jets, questions remain about the exact nature and limits of Islamabad’s military involvement.