Syria sends military advisers to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks, sources say

Syria has deployed a limited number of military advisers to Saudi Arabia to assist in training its forces, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as Saudi Arabia faces attacks from Yemen's Houthi rebels, as reported by Reuters. A senior US official confirmed that Syrian personnel are traveling to Saudi Arabia to enhance the combat capabilities of both Saudi and Yemeni units.

However, a senior Syrian diplomat cautioned that any claims of military deployments at this point are premature and emphasized that Syria remains focused on internal security, border protection, and reconstruction. The diplomat also noted that a defense cooperation agreement signed by Syria and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday includes advisory support, training, and exchange of expertise.

This agreement was signed during a visit to Riyadh by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the second time in less than a month. The specifics of the agreement have not been disclosed publicly. Turkey, another ally of Syria, recently ratified a defense pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, which was signed in Mecca in August.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani indicated during a conference in Bahrain that discussions are underway for Syria to join the pact.