Syria considering sending troops to Yemen to fight Houthis

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Syria Weighs Sending Troops to Yemen to Fight Houthis

   Syria is considering deploying between 10,000 and 20,000 troops to Yemen to support a Saudi-backed operation against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. Three U.S. officials stated that discussions are primarily between Saudi Arabia and Syria, with both countries consulting the Trump administration. The United States is reportedly not opposed to the deployment, as it could provide additional support for operations against the Houthis without requiring deep American involvement. Meanwhile, a Syrian adviser has denied reports that Saudi Arabia requested a deployment.

   Why it matters

   The potential troop deployment comes as Yemen-aligned Houthi forces have escalated missile and drone strikes against Saudi airports and oil facilities, prompting Riyadh to expand its counteroffensive. Syria's leadership has engaged in talks with Saudi Arabia and the U.S. regarding military cooperation in the region. The discussions indicate a shifting geopolitical alignment as regional powers seek new military partnerships to counter Houthi attacks.

   What is confirmed

   • Syria is considering sending troops to Yemen to fight the Iran-backed Houthis.
   • Three U.S. officials stated that Saudi Arabia and Syria are discussing sending Syrian troops to Yemen.
   • The Trump administration has been consulted by both countries and is not opposed in principle to the deployment.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Syria's leadership is weighing a deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 ground troops.
   • Syria officially denied joining the Yemen war while expressing support for Saudi Arabia.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation from Damascus or Riyadh regarding troop deployment numbers.
   • Any formal announcement of a defense agreement between Syria and Saudi Arabia.
   • Further Houthi escalation targeting Saudi airspace and oil infrastructure.
   Sources used for this update (25)

   1. Axios — Syria considering sending troops to Yemen to fight Houthis
   2. Reuters — Syria considers help in Yemen war after Saudi airports come under Houthi fire
   3. The Times of India — Syria considers sending troops to Saudi Arabia to fight Houthis
   4. The Economist — World in Brief: Syria re-affirms support for Yemen; bond sell-off eases
   5. Ynetnews — Syria weighs joining Saudi fight against Houthis as attacks escalate
   6. The Economist — World in Brief: Syria re-affirms support for Yemen; British diplomats to leave Israel
   7. Reuters — Syria weighs military aid for Saudi Arabia amid Yemen war, sources say
   8. Al Arabiya English — Syria adviser denies reports of Saudi request to deploy Syrian forces in Yemen or Kingdom
   9. The Economist — World in Brief: Syria re-affirms support for Yemen; oil prices rise again
   10. شبكة يافا الإخبارية — Istanbul: Al-Shibani and Barak discuss Syrian-American relations
   11. www.yahoo.com — Syria considers help in Yemen war after Saudi airports come under Houthi fire
   12. www.livemint.com — From Washington to Riyadh: visas suspended, missiles fly, and Nobel dreams fade
   confidence 85%