Syria rules out troop deployment to Yemen, says military ties with Saudi could expand

Syria has no intention of deploying troops to Yemen, a Syrian diplomatic source said, rejecting reports of a possible military deployment while indicating that defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia could deepen in the future.The diplomatic official clarified to the state news agency SANA after several news outlets previously reported that Syria had sent a small contingent of military personnel to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks to advise and train its forces as the kingdom faces attacks from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.The report cited two Syrian military sources and a senior US official, as per Reuters.Saudi Arabia has faced escalating hostilities with the Houthis since July, when the wider Middle East conflict reignited fighting in Yemen.

Riyadh has since been looking to secure defensive and offensive military assistance from several allies.The Syrian source said the existing cooperation with Saudi Arabia was centred on training, strengthening military capabilities and sharing expertise.