Syria is providing military advice and training to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces escalating attacks from Yemen’s Houthis. Two Syrian military sources and a senior US official confirmed that a limited number of Syrian personnel have been deployed to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The Syrian advisers, experienced from years of conflict, are helping to train Saudi and Yemeni units to enhance their combat effectiveness. A senior Syrian diplomat, however, downplayed the reports, stating that any suggestion of military deployments was premature and that Syria’s focus remains on internal security and reconstruction.
The cooperation between Syria and Saudi Arabia follows a defence pact signed on November 4 during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh. The agreement includes advisory support, training, and expertise exchange. A senior Saudi official noted that the collaboration also aims to restructure Syrian forces, though it may extend to combat support against militias. The US has cautioned Syria against deeper involvement in the Yemen conflict, warning of potential risks of broader regional entanglement.
Syria has become a key ally of Saudi Arabia and the US since the 2024 overthrow of Iran-backed President Bashar al-Assad. The country’s military, now reconstituted from former rebels, is playing an increasingly active role in regional security. Turkey, another ally of Damascus, recently ratified a defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, paving the way for military support to Riyadh. The Saudi Fund for Development also signed agreements with Syria’s Finance Ministry for over US$403 million in development loans, providing critical economic support.
The Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have intensified since the Yemen war reignited in July, with missiles targeting airports and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia has responded with air strikes in support of Yemeni government forces. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani emphasized that Syria views the security of the Arab Gulf as part of regional stability, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Gulf governments against border-crossing militias.