The Syrian Information Ministry has denied reports that its armed forces are fighting alongside the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Key facts
- •The Syrian Information Ministry officially denied that its forces are fighting in Yemen.
- •Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on October 6.
- •Reports suggested a potential deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 Syrian troops to Yemen to fight the Houthi movement.
- •A Syrian diplomat stated that the government's primary focus is on domestic recovery from its own civil war.
- •Saudi Arabia has been seeking international support for both defensive and offensive operations against Houthi forces.
The Syrian Information Ministry stated that its armed forces are not participating in military operations in Yemen alongside the Saudi-led coalition. While Damascus expressed firm support for Saudi Arabia, the ministry emphasized that its current policy does not involve opening new military fronts. This statement follows reports from other outlets suggesting that Syria was considering providing military assistance to the kingdom amid the ongoing conflict with the Houthi movement.
Conflicting Reports on Potential Deployment
Reports from Axios and Al-Monitor, citing US and Syrian officials, suggested that Syria was considering options ranging from defensive aid to the deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 Syrian servicemen to Yemen. These reports indicated that Saudi Arabia had requested assistance to combat the Houthi movement, which has conducted missile and drone attacks on the kingdom. A Syrian diplomat noted that any potential military cooperation would occur through official channels and bilateral agreements, though the government's primary focus remains on domestic recovery.
Diplomatic Meetings in Riyadh
Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Riyadh on October 6 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to Al-Monitor, the two leaders discussed potential military assistance among other strategic cooperation plans. Following the meeting, state media footage showed the Syrian president being escorted to his plane by Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman.
Timeline
- MondayThe Saudi-led campaign against Houthi forces was launched.
- October 6Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
- October 8The Syrian Information Ministry issued a statement denying participation in the Yemen conflict.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TASS (English), Al-Monitor.
