Saudi Forces and Houthi Rebels Engage in Escalating Conflict

Fighting between Saudi-backed forces and Houthi rebels in Yemen has reached new heights this summer, prompting a regional response from Syria.

Syria is preparing to send its fighters to support Saudi Arabia along their shared border, according to three officials familiar with the plans. The deployment would mark a significant escalation of the conflict in Yemen, which began in February when US and Israeli forces targeted Iranian interests.

Regional officials have confirmed that Syrian military advisers are already present in Saudi Arabia, but no combat troops have been sent to Yemen yet. The exact timing and scope of the planned deployment remain unclear, with details only shared on a need-to-know basis.

The conflict in Yemen has seen both sides exchange blows, with Houthi rebels launching attacks on Saudi territory in recent months. Despite having access to advanced US-supplied fighter jets and missile defense systems, Saudi Arabia has struggled to gain the upper hand against the Houthis.

Syria's decision to intervene in the conflict is likely driven by its own security concerns, given its long history of civil war and battle-hardened fighters. The move could potentially reshape the balance of power in the region, with significant implications for regional stability.

The Syrian government has agreed to send troops to support Saudi Arabia in its conflict with the Houthi rebels, a move that could significantly alter the regional balance of power.

A senior Syrian official confirmed that an initial contingent of around 600 special forces fighters is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia within the next week. This deployment marks a significant escalation of Syria's involvement in the conflict, which has been marked by its support for various rebel groups during the country's own civil war.

In recent weeks, a high-ranking delegation led by Khaled Khattab, commander of the 82nd Division, visited Saudi Arabia to discuss the terms of the agreement. The delegation received briefings on the current state of the conflict and was reportedly informed about the areas of operation where Syrian troops would be deployed.

Syria has already begun providing military advisers to Saudi Arabia, with a small number of officials currently stationed in the kingdom to assist in training Yemeni forces.

Syrian officials have revealed that their country is in talks to join a defense agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan last August. The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement commits these countries to consider an attack on one of them as an attack on all three, and to strengthen military cooperation. Discussions about Syria's potential membership are reportedly at an advanced stage, although no official announcement has been made yet.

The agreement would see Syria align its defense policies with those of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, creating a united front against external threats. However, one concern is that Syria might seek support from these countries to counter Israel's actions in southern Syria. After President Bashar Assad was ousted in December 2024, Israeli forces took control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone and have occupied it since.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has stated that his government does not aim to escalate tensions with Israel and has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the buffer zone. This stance is significant, as the Syrian president's administration has been working closely with Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The two countries announced a military cooperation agreement last week, without providing further details.

During President al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh, the Saudi government agreed to provide Syria with over $400 million to fund post-conflict reconstruction efforts, including rebuilding homes and basic infrastructure. This financial support is seen as a key component of the emerging partnership between Syria and Saudi Arabia.

Syria's decision to reject US President Donald Trump's proposal for its forces to intervene against Hezbollah in Lebanon is a reflection of its current priorities. The country is focused on rebuilding and recovering from its devastating civil war, which has left deep scars.

The relationship between Syria and Saudi Arabia has undergone significant changes in recent times. Under Assad's rule, Syria was largely isolated by the Arab world. However, with Saudi Arabia's support, Syria is now being reintegrated into the region.

Syrian involvement in the conflict against the Houthis in Yemen would expose it to potential attacks from allied militias in neighboring Iraq. This is a concern for Syria as it seeks to rebuild and stabilize its country without getting entangled in new conflicts.

The emerging partnership between Syria and Saudi Arabia has been bolstered by financial support, which is seen as crucial to their growing cooperation.