Syria Denies Sending Troops to Yemen Amid Houthi Attacks
Syria rejects reports of military involvement in Yemen, reaffirming its stance against Houthi attacks.
2 min read
Syria has denied reports suggesting it is considering sending ground forces to Yemen to join Saudi Arabia in the fight against Iran-backed Houthi insurgents. The Syrian government condemned the latest Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, emphasizing its commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
Denial of Troop Deployment
Axios reported that Saudi Arabia had requested Syria’s involvement in the conflict, with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa considering the move. However, the Syrian Information Ministry categorically denied these claims, calling the reports a lie with no basis in truth. Sharaa’s media adviser, Ahmed Muwaffaq Zaidan, stated that any military assistance from Saudi Arabia would be through official channels and within bilateral agreements.
Regional and Religious Implications
The potential involvement of Syria in Yemen could introduce a religious dimension to the conflict, as Syria’s forces include Sunni Muslim jihadis who played a role in toppling the Iran-backed Assad regime. The Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, are a Shiite Islamic group, highlighting the sectarian divide in the region. Analysts suggest that Syria’s involvement could bolster the Saudi-backed Yemeni government’s efforts against the Houthis.
International Response and Support
The Trump administration was reportedly consulted on the potential deployment, with U.S. Central Command possibly offering military advice. Despite this, Syria maintains that its policy is focused on stability, peace, and cooperation, rather than opening new fronts in the region.
Condemnation of Houthi Attacks
The Syrian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, calling them a violation of international law. Syria supports Saudi Arabia’s measures to defend its sovereignty, underscoring the close security ties between the two nations.
Analyst Perspectives
Senior associate fellow H.A. Hellyer of the Royal United Services Institute noted that while Syria is unlikely to send large forces to Yemen, a symbolic deployment of a small number of personnel could be significant, especially given the recent Houthi drone attack on Mecca. The attack, which drew condemnation from most Muslim governments, highlights the regional tensions and the potential for Syria to play a symbolic role in the conflict.
Source: Breitbart
