Deployment of Dozens of Syrian Military Personnel to Saudi Arabia: A Training Mission or Broader Involvement in the War in Yemen?
Dozens of Syrian military personnel have travelled to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks under a defense cooperation agreement between Damascus and Riyadh, according to Syrian military sources and a senior US official cited by Reuters.
Damascus: According to Raaz News I Two Syrian military sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that dozens of personnel had travelled from Syria to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. They said the mission involved advisory and training activities, but added that the scope of their mandate could be broader.
A senior US official also confirmed that Syrian military advisers and training teams were travelling to the kingdom. According to the official, the teams are helping train Saudi and Yemeni units to improve their combat effectiveness.
However, a senior Syrian diplomat described reports of military deployments as premature, stating that any suggestion of such deployments at this stage was premature. The diplomat said the defense agreement signed on Wednesday specifically covers advisory support, training, and the exchange of expertise.
Defense Pact Signed During Al-Sharaa's Visit to Riyadh
Saudi Arabia and Syria signed the defense cooperation agreement on Wednesday during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh.
A senior Saudi official told Reuters that cooperation with Syria was primarily focused on sharing expertise to restructure the Syrian armed forces. The official added that Syrian partners could also contribute combat experience, particularly in dealing with militias.
Separately, the Saudi Fund for Development signed six loan agreements worth more than $403 million with Syria's Finance Ministry on Wednesday.
Washington Warns Damascus Against Deeper Involvement in Yemen
The senior US official said Washington had urged Damascus to exercise caution, warning that any Syrian involvement in the war in Yemen could draw the country into a wider regional conflict.
This warning comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has faced intensified responses from Yemen’s Ansarallah movement since July; in retaliation for Saudi aggression, the Houthis have launched missile attacks against the country’s airports and oil facilities.
Syria Considers Joining the Mecca Defense Pact
Meanwhile, Turkey ratified on Thursday the defense agreement signed in Mecca in August between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said discussions were underway to examine the possibility of Syria joining the Mecca defense pact.
The developments point to a potential expansion of Syria's military and security cooperation with regional powers, although the extent of Damascus' involvement in regional military arrangements and the scope of its activities in Yemen remain unclear.