Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia and Syria are discussing the possible deployment of 10,000 to 20,000 Syrian troops to Yemen to support a Saudi-backed counteroffensive against the Houthi movement, according to U.S. officials cited by Axios.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is seriously considering the proposal, but no final decision has been made. The issue was reportedly discussed during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh earlier this week.
Syrian Units Under Consideration
The Syrian military could send between 10,000 and 20,000 personnel, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
The units reportedly being considered are:
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90th Division, based near Damascus.
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84th Division, based in southern Syria near Sweida.
The 84th Division includes thousands of Islamist foreign fighters who arrived in Syria during the civil war and fought against former President Bashar al-Assad under the umbrella of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). These fighters are predominantly Sunni, while the Houthis follow Zaydi Shiite Islam.
U.S. Involvement
The Trump administration has reportedly been consulted by Saudi Arabia and Syria and does not oppose the proposal in principle.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has also been consulted about the possible deployment. Washington reportedly views the proposal as a way to strengthen Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces without deeper direct U.S. involvement.
The White House and CENTCOM declined to comment, while Saudi and Syrian officials did not respond to Axios requests for comment at the time of its report.
Fighting in Yemen
The discussions come as Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have launched a major ground operation against the Houthis, including efforts to retake territory near the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Houthi forces have continued missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, Houthi military spokespeople claimed responsibility for attacks on Abha International Airport in Asir province and airports in Jazan and Najran.
Turkey and Pakistan Support Saudi Arabia
Turkey and Pakistan are also supporting Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
Their reported contributions are mainly defensive and technical, including personnel, equipment, air-defense and intelligence support. Their forces are deploying to Saudi Arabia rather than directly into Yemen.
Syria Denies Troop Deployment
Despite the reports of discussions, Syrian officials have publicly denied that Damascus has agreed to send troops.
A presidential media adviser called claims that Saudi Arabia requested Syrian forces for Yemen or Saudi Arabia false. Syria's Information Ministry said Damascus supports Saudi Arabia against threats to its security but is focused on stability, peace and cooperation rather than opening new fronts.
A Syrian defence source also said there is currently no movement of Syrian forces toward Yemen, stressing that Syria's priority remains recovery from its civil war and rebuilding.
For now, the possible Syrian deployment remains under discussion, and no final decision has been announced.
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