Syria weighs military aid for Saudi Arabia in Yemen war, sources say
KSA•Syria is considering military assistance for Saudi Arabia as it fights the Houthis in Yemen, a US official and a Syrian military official said. Options include defensive support or deploying forces, while a Syrian presidential adviser denied that Saudi Arabia requested troop deployment.
1. Aid options under review
Syria is carefully considering military assistance for Saudi Arabia, which is fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. Options include defensive aid to protect the kingdom from attacks or deploying forces to support Saudi-backed Yemeni troops, sources said. A US official said Saudi Arabia had requested Syrian forces, but Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s media adviser denied that claim.
2. Damascus signals limits
A Syrian diplomat said the government stood with Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks but was focused on domestic priorities, including recovery from the civil war. The diplomat said any military cooperation or exchange of expertise would occur through official channels and under bilateral agreements. The US official said al-Sharaa discussed potential assistance with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a Riyadh visit.
3. Deployment carries risks
The Syrian state is assembling an army from former militia groups and has sought to avoid involvement in conflicts while focusing on recovery. The US official said a fight with the Houthis could carry divisive religious undertones and heighten tensions with Iran and its allies. A small defensive deployment and technical support to counter drones would be different from sending Syrian forces into combat, said analyst H.A. Hellyer.
