Damascus has deployed a limited number of military personnel to Saudi Arabia to provide advisory and training support in countering Yemen's Houthis, Reuters reported citing Syrian and US sources. The deployment aims to bolster the capabilities of Saudi and Yemeni government forces.
According to Reuters, two Syrian military sources confirmed that dozens of Syrian soldiers have traveled to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The personnel are tasked with sharing years of combat experience with troops stationed in the kingdom.
A senior US official told Reuters on Friday, November 7, that Syrian advisers and training teams are heading to Saudi Arabia. Syrian sources noted that while advising and training form part of the mission, the scope could potentially expand.
Reuters had earlier reported in October that Damascus was considering sending forces to aid Riyadh against the Houthis. Options under review included defensive support against missile and drone attacks or potential involvement in offensive operations supporting Yemen's recognized government.
The US official added that Washington has urged Damascus to proceed with caution, warning that entering the Yemen conflict could draw Syria into a wider regional confrontation that it has so far managed to avoid.
Conversely, a senior Syrian diplomat termed talk of troop deployment "premature," emphasizing that domestic security, border defense, and reconstruction remain Damascus's priorities. The diplomat noted that the recent pact focuses specifically on advisory support, training, and knowledge exchange.
The bilateral defense cooperation agreement was signed on Wednesday, November 5, during Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh, where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Syrian defense officials and Saudi authorities did not respond to requests for comment.
Source: Reuters
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