Syria is preparing to send fighters to Saudi Arabia to deploy along its border and potentially aid in its conflict with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen, three officials with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press. While Syrian military advisers have already arrived in Saudi Arabia, no fighters have been sent to Yemen.
The move comes as fighting in Yemen has intensified this summer between the Houthi rebels and the government's Saudi-backed forces. The Houthis have also launched direct attacks on Saudi Arabia, adding another front to the regional conflict that has seen increased tensions involving Iran.
Syria, possessing battle-hardened fighters from its prolonged civil war, has largely remained on the sidelines until now. The Saudi government has pledged much-needed financial assistance for Syria's postwar reconstruction, a key factor in Damascus's decision to consider supporting Riyadh, especially as other allies have been reluctant to commit ground forces.
An initial deployment of approximately 600 Syrian special forces fighters is expected in Saudi Arabia within the coming week. A Syrian delegation, led by Commander Khaled Khattab of the 82nd Division, recently concluded a two-week visit to Saudi Arabia. During this visit, Syrian military officials received briefings on the front lines and operational areas from Saudi and Yemeni officials.
Recent reports suggesting Syrian forces were headed to Yemen have been downplayed by a Syrian diplomatic official, who stated that the agreement with Saudi Arabia primarily focuses on training its military forces and enhancing capabilities. Syrian officials have also publicly discussed the possibility of joining a joint defense agreement recently signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.
This potential involvement raises concerns, as Syria might seek support against Israel, which has maintained control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria since late 2024. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has called for Israeli forces to withdraw but maintains his government does not seek conflict.
Syria and Saudi Arabia recently announced a military cooperation agreement, with Saudi Arabia also agreeing to lend Syria over $400 million for reconstruction efforts. This collaboration is crucial for Syria's reintegration into the Arab world after years of isolation under the rule of former President Bashar Assad. However, Syrian involvement in the Yemen conflict could expose it to retaliatory attacks from militias in neighboring Iraq allied with the Houthis.