Syria is assisting Saudi Arabia in military consulting and training, while this country is under pressure due to repeated Houthi attacks. According to information from Syrian military sources, a limited number of military personnel have been dispatched to Saudi Arabia to help strengthen the military capabilities of this country.
Increasing tensions in Yemen
Recently, Saudi Arabia has faced intensified clashes with the Houthi group, which is linked to Iran. These tensions began in July, prompting Riyadh to seek support from its allies to bolster its defensive and offensive positions. A senior American official stated that advisors and training teams from Syria, who have gained experience in various wars in recent years, have traveled to Saudi Arabia to assist in training Saudi and Yemeni forces.
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Military cooperation agreement
Two Syrian military sources with accurate information about the situation reported that a significant number of Syrian military personnel have traveled to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks to perform consulting and training tasks. These sources also indicated that their duties may extend beyond these tasks. In response to questions regarding this matter, a senior Syrian diplomat stated that "any mention of military deployment at this early stage is premature" and emphasized that Syria's focus is on internal security and the reconstruction of the country.
This diplomat also referred to the defense cooperation agreement between Syria and Saudi Arabia that was signed on Wednesday, stating that this agreement includes advisory support, training, and the exchange of experiences. A senior Saudi official also stated that the exchange of experiences with Syria is primarily for the reconstruction of Syrian forces and does not mean assistance to Saudi Arabia in military experiences.
Saudi Arabia and Syria signed this agreement during the visit of Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara'a to Riyadh and in his second meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Additionally, Washington has advised Damascus to act cautiously, as any deployment of Syrian forces to Yemen could embroil the country in wider regional conflicts.
Development of economic cooperation
Alongside military cooperation, Saudi Arabia also signed six agreements with the Syrian Ministry of Finance on Wednesday for the provision of development loans worth over $403 million, which will help support development and service sectors in Syria. These agreements are seen as a lifeline for a country striving to revive its economy.
Since the resumption of the Yemen war, the Houthis have captured parts of the territories controlled by the Yemeni government, while the Yemeni government has also made progress in some areas. The Houthis have launched missiles towards Saudi airports and oil facilities, and Saudi Arabia has retaliated with airstrikes against Houthi positions.
Syria is emerging as a close ally of Saudi Arabia and the United States following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024 at the hands of rebels led by Al-Shara'a. The reconstituted Syrian army includes fighters who have fought against Assad and Iran-affiliated groups for years.
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