Pakistan deploys 8,000 troops, jet squadron to Saudi Arabia as Iran war tensions escalate

Pakistan has deployed 8,000 soldiers, along with a squadron of jets and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of their mutual defense pact in the face of ever-growing escalations with Iran, according to a new report.

The troops and aircraft were deployed in early April, including JF-17 fighter jets and the Chinese HQ-9 air defense system, which are meant to intercept any strikes against Saudi Arabia, officials told Reuters.

Under the mutual defense pact, Pakistan may send as many as 80,000 troops to defend the Saudi Kingdom, which had been targeted by Iranian attacks during the height of the war in March, security officials added.