World News
Syria Reportedly Deploys Troops Near Yemen as Military Cooperation With Saudi Arabia Expands
Hundreds of Syrian soldiers are reportedly stationed along the Saudi-Yemeni border, with thousands more potentially on the way, amid growing defense ties and speculation over Syria’s involvement in the fight against the Houthis
- Yuval Aviv
- | Updated
A Syrian soldier (credit: pexels)Military cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia is expanding and, according to reports, could include the direct involvement of Syrian forces in the campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Yemeni sources and a security official told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that hundreds of Syrian soldiers are already stationed on both sides of the Saudi-Yemeni border, with thousands more expected to be deployed to the region.
According to officials in Yemen’s Saudi-backed government, the deployment of additional Syrian troops is intended to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to repel the Houthis and strengthen the forces fighting against them. However, Damascus has so far declined to confirm that Syrian soldiers are participating in combat operations.
The reports come just days after Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a defense agreement during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to the kingdom, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The agreement was signed amid growing security cooperation between the two countries.
Reuters reported yesterday that Syria had sent dozens of military advisers and instructors to Saudi Arabia and Yemen in recent weeks to help train local military units. A Syrian diplomatic official denied reports that combat troops had been deployed, describing such claims as "premature." Meanwhile, a senior Saudi official confirmed that the two countries are exchanging military knowledge and expertise and conducting joint exercises.
Approximately a month ago, media outlets reported, citing Syrian sources, that Damascus was planning to assist Riyadh in its efforts against the Houthis. Following al-Sharaa’s unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia in early October and his meeting with bin Salman, Arab media reported that Syria was cautiously considering the possibility of deploying military forces to Yemen.
At the time, Ahmad Zidan, an adviser to the Syrian president, denied reports of any planned military involvement.
