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Syria sends military advisers to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks, sources say
Syria has sent military advisers to Saudi Arabia to advise and train forces as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen’s Houthis, according to sources cited by Reuters. The reported deployment points to closer defence cooperation between Damascus and Riyadh, though a Syrian diplomat said suggestions of military deployments were premature.
A senior US official said Syrian advisers and training teams were travelling to Saudi Arabia to improve the combat effectiveness of Saudi and Yemeni units based there; two Syrian military sources said scores had arrived in recent weeks. The countries signed a defence cooperation agreement in Riyadh on Wednesday during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit, but its full terms were not disclosed. The agreement includes advisory support and training, while Syria has also discussed joining a defence pact involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey.
In short
- Syrian personnel are reportedly advising and training forces in Saudi Arabia.
- Sources differ on the scale and timing of the reported deployment.
- A new Syria-Saudi defence agreement includes training and advisory support.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that Syrian advisers and training would help Saudi and Yemeni forces defend against Houthi attacks, improving their readiness without necessarily committing Syria to combat. They may also see the cooperation agreement as a practical step towards regional security and a way for Damascus and Riyadh to build trust through formal defence ties.
The case against
Critics could argue that deploying military advisers risks drawing Syria deeper into a conflict whose consequences may extend beyond defending against attacks, and could increase regional tensions. With the agreement’s terms undisclosed and a Syrian diplomat describing deployment claims as premature, they may also question the transparency and wisdom of expanding security commitments before their scope is clear.
Explained simply
Saudi Arabia and Yemen have been linked by years of conflict involving the Houthis, an armed movement that controls much of northern Yemen. The Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi territory, while Saudi Arabia has supported forces opposing them in Yemen.
Syria and Saudi Arabia have had a strained relationship, but ties have improved since Ahmed al-Sharaa became Syria’s president. Defence cooperation can include training and advice, as well as agreements on how countries work together; it does not necessarily mean they will fight alongside one another.
The wider context is regional efforts to build security partnerships as conflicts and attacks cross borders. Any closer links between Syria and Saudi Arabia could affect how countries in the region coordinate their defence.