Saudi Arabia and Syria Sign Defense Pact Amid Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed a defense cooperation agreement as Riyadh seeks additional regional military support amid escalating missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement.

The agreement was concluded between the two countries' defense ministries on November 4 during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh, where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA confirmed the agreement but did not disclose its provisions, leaving the scope of potential military cooperation unclear.

The agreement comes as Saudi Arabia faces renewed attacks from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, who have targeted infrastructure and strategic facilities across the kingdom.

Reuters reported in October that Damascus was considering providing military assistance to Riyadh. A Syrian diplomat said any such cooperation would be conducted through official channels and within the framework of bilateral agreements.

The development also follows statements by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani that Damascus is evaluating possible membership in the Mecca defense alliance involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan.

No decision on Syria joining that alliance has been announced.

During their meeting, al-Sharaa and Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional security, military escalation and threats to international shipping routes, including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz.

The two countries also signed economic cooperation agreements, while the Saudi Fund for Development committed more than $403 million in concessional loans for Syrian reconstruction and public services.

The defense agreement marks a further step in the rapprochement between Riyadh and Damascus following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Neither government has announced troop deployments, joint military operations or mutual defense obligations under the new agreement.