Syria Weighs Aid to Saudi Arabia, Denies Troop Request

Syria is weighing possible military assistance to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom faces Houthi attacks, but Damascus says its priority is domestic recovery and denies that Riyadh requested Syrian forces. No decision to provide aid or deploy troops has been announced. A US official and a Syrian military official briefed on the matter said options under consideration include defensive support for Saudi Arabia or sending Syrian forces to assist Saudi-backed Yemeni troops fighting the Houthis. The reports do not establish that either option has been approved. The question of a Saudi request is disputed. A US official said Riyadh had asked Syria to deploy forces, and said Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed possible military assistance with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a visit to Riyadh on Tuesday. Presidential media adviser Ahmed Muwaffaq Zaidan rejected reports that Saudi Arabia had requested Syrian forces for Saudi Arabia or Yemen, calling them false in a post on X on Thursday. A Syrian diplomat said Damascus stood with Saudi Arabia but remained focused on rebuilding Syria and strengthening its institutions.