World · Singapore Bureau
Syria weighs military deployment to aid Saudi Arabia against Houthis
Syria is considering deploying troops to support Saudi Arabia's defence against Yemen's Houthi rebels, according to US and Syrian officials. The move comes as the Iran-aligned group intensifies missile and drone strikes on Saudi territory, killing three people at airport facilities this week.
LSN Singapore ·
RIYADH — Syria may commit military personnel to assist Saudi Arabia in countering attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement, according to statements from a US official and a Syrian defence official on Tuesday. The potential deployment reflects mounting concerns over the escalation of cross-border strikes originating from Yemen.
The Houthi rebels have significantly ramped up their offensive capabilities in recent days, launching coordinated missile and drone attacks targeting critical Saudi infrastructure. At least three people were killed in strikes on Saudi airports this week, marking a sharp intensification in the conflict's humanitarian toll.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement has demonstrated increasing technical sophistication in its weapons systems, posing a sustained challenge to regional stability. Saudi Arabia, which has led a military coalition in Yemen since 2015, has faced mounting pressure to contain the rebel group's growing firepower.
A Syrian military contribution would represent a significant shift in regional dynamics, adding another player to the complex geopolitical landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. However, details regarding the scope, timeline, and nature of any potential Syrian involvement remain unclear pending formal confirmation from the governments involved.
The developments underscore the intensifying proxy conflicts across the Middle East, with regional and international powers increasingly drawn into disputes spanning multiple nations.