Syria Sends Military Advisers to Train Saudi Forces, Sources Say

Two Syrian military sources with direct knowledge said scores of personnel went from Syria to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. They said advisory and training work was involved, but that their mandate could be broader.

A senior US official told Reuters that Syrian advisers and training teams were travelling to the kingdom. The official said the teams were helping train Saudi and Yemeni units to improve combat effectiveness.

Diplomat Says Deployments Are Premature

A senior Syrian diplomat said “any suggestion of military deployments at this stage is premature.” The diplomat said Wednesday’s defense deal “specifically includes advisory support, training and exchange of expertise.”

Pact Signed During Al-Sharaa’s Riyadh Visit

Saudi Arabia and Syria signed the defense pact on Wednesday during a visit to Riyadh by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. A senior Saudi official told Reuters that expertise sharing with Syria was “mainly to restructure the Syrian forces.”

The official said Syrian partners also help with combat experience “regarding fighting militias.” The Saudi Fund for Development signed six loan agreements worth over $403 million with Syria’s Finance Ministry on Wednesday.

Washington Urges Caution as Houthis Attack

Washington has urged Damascus to move cautiously, the senior US official said. The official warned that any Syrian role in the Yemen war risked drawing the country into a wider conflict.

Saudi Arabia has faced worsening hostilities with the Iran-allied Houthis since July. The Houthis have fired missiles at Saudi airports and oil facilities.

Turkey on Thursday ratified a defense pact signed in Mecca in August between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said discussions were under way to study Syria’s entry into the Mecca pact.