Syria has no plans to deploy troops to Yemen, a Syrian diplomatic source told state news agency SANA, refuting recent reports of a potential deployment. The source stated that current military cooperation with Saudi Arabia focuses on training forces, building their capabilities, and exchanging military expertise. This development comes as Saudi Arabia faces ongoing hostilities with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis.
Saudi Arabia has been engaged in escalating conflicts with the Houthis since July, when the broader Middle East conflict reignited the Yemen war. In response, Riyadh has sought defensive and offensive support from various allies. According to Reuters, Syria sent a limited number of military personnel to Saudi Arabia recently to provide military advice and training.
The Syrian diplomatic source emphasized that coordination visits by Saudi officials to Syria are scheduled to begin next month. These visits may lead to a mutual defense agreement or Syria joining the Mecca Pact, depending on the shared interests of both countries. The Mecca Pact is a defense agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey in August.
Turkey ratified the Mecca Pact on Thursday, allowing Ankara to provide military support to Riyadh. This development follows a visit to Riyadh by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the second time in less than a month. During the visit, Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a defense cooperation deal.
A senior Syrian diplomat described the agreement as a broad framework for military cooperation. This cooperation marks a significant shift in Syria's alliances, as the country has emerged as a close ally of Saudi Arabia and the United States since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Iran, in 2024.
The strengthening of ties between Syria and Saudi Arabia is a notable development in the region. The two countries have been working to enhance their military cooperation, with potential implications for the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The international community has been closely watching these developments, given the complex web of alliances in the Middle East.
The military cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia may have significant implications for the region. Key aspects of this cooperation include the exchange of military expertise, training of forces, and potential coordination on defense agreements. As the situation in Yemen continues to unfold, the role of Syria and Saudi Arabia in the conflict will likely remain a subject of interest.
Key points
- Syria has denied plans to send troops to Yemen, despite reports suggesting a potential deployment.
- Syria and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense cooperation deal, marking a significant shift in Syria's alliances.
- The military cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia may have implications for the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
