Syria confirms sending troops to Saudi Arabia amid battle against Houthis | Syria’s War
Syria and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Amid Ongoing Conflict in Yemen
Shortly after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh last week, it has been reported that Damascus is providing support to Saudi Arabia in its ongoing conflict with the Houthi rebel group, also known as Ansar Allah, which is backed by Iran.
The meeting between al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focused on security cooperation and financial assistance. Following their discussions, Saudi Arabia pledged $403 million in loans to assist Syria with rebuilding infrastructure damaged during its 13-year civil war.
Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the collaboration between the two countries’ defense ministries as the most significant outcome of the meeting, although it did not provide further details.
In the days following the summit, reports surfaced that Syria was sending fighters to Saudi Arabia to aid in military operations against the Houthis. The Reuters news agency indicated that Syrian forces were offering military advice and training within Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of numerous missile strikes on Saudi cities attributed to the Houthis.
On Sunday, Syrian officials informed The Associated Press that military advisers had already been dispatched to Saudi Arabia, with an additional 600 special forces expected to arrive next week. While initial reports were denied, a Syrian government official clarified that the soldiers were present for purposes of training, expertise exchange, and military consultations.
Analysts noted that this military support could enhance Riyadh’s security posture. “The Syrian role would likely be more influential in Riyadh than on Yemen’s front lines,” said Nanar Hawach, a Syrian analyst. He suggested that even a supportive role from Syria would meet Saudi Arabia’s needs without risking direct involvement in combat.
Hawach further explained that the distinction between training Yemeni forces and direct engagement in combat is significant. “If Syrian forces are involved, Damascus has good reasons to avoid publicly acknowledging it,” he said, citing concerns over regional retaliation and the necessity of domestic reconstruction.
Since Houthi fighters seized control of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, in September 2014, Saudi Arabia has been heavily involved, leading an Arab military coalition to support Yemen’s internationally recognized government from March 2015. The ongoing threat posed by the Houthis has prompted Saudi Arabia to seek a regional military alliance to bolster its defenses.
Recent Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and Houthi missile strikes on Saudi cities have highlighted the urgency for a more robust regional security framework. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, established in August among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is seen as a key initiative for collective security.
Syria’s military capabilities, particularly its experience in drone warfare, could serve as a valuable asset to this alliance. A Syrian official indicated that current military arrangements might pave the way for Syria’s inclusion in the Mecca Defence Alliance.
“Syria’s interest in the Mecca pact reflects its desire to anchor its recovery within a regional security framework,” Hawach noted. He cautioned, however, that any military engagement could provoke retaliation and complicate domestic recovery efforts.
Under the current political climate, Syria’s government is facing increased pressure to engage militarily beyond its borders. U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, have previously suggested that Syria might need to intervene in Lebanon regarding Hezbollah, another Iran-backed group.
Syrian fighters have garnered a reputation for their combat experience in various conflicts, including the recent Azerbaijan-Armenia war. Experts believe this could offer tactical advantages to Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia often relies on diplomatic links to form strategic alliances in security matters,” said Rob Geist Pinfold, a security studies lecturer at King’s College London. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in facilitating the removal of sanctions on Syria, aiding the country’s diplomatic legitimacy.
With Saudi Arabia more deeply involved in Yemen and facing regular Houthi attacks, the potential deployment of Syrian forces could bolster its military efforts. Reports suggest Syrian personnel are already engaged in drone operations targeting Houthi positions, although the Syrian government has denied such claims.
Samy Akil, a senior adviser for The Syria Report, indicated that Syria’s cooperation with Saudi Arabia grants the latter an influential ally in the region and potentially within the Mecca Defence Alliance framework. As Syria navigates competing regional interests, a partnership with Saudi Arabia appears increasingly advantageous.
Amid ongoing Israeli incursions in southwestern Syria, a strategic alliance with a powerful partner like Saudi Arabia may offer Damascus a means of deterrence against further regional threats.
