Syrian source denies troop deployment to Yemen

Damascus (ANTARA) – A Syrian source told state news agency SANA that the latest agreement with Saudi Arabia is intended to train Syrian forces and improve their capabilities.

A Saudi delegation is expected to begin a coordination visit to Syria in December, the source said.

The cooperation could eventually lead to a joint defence agreement or Syria joining the Makkah defence pact, depending on the two countries’ shared interests, the source said.

The source added that reports of Syrian troops being sent to Yemen were unfounded at this stage, saying Syria’s priorities were strengthening domestic security, rebuilding the country and supporting economic recovery.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the two countries’ defence authorities signed a cooperation agreement in Riyadh on Wednesday (4 November), during a visit by Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The announcement came amid media reports that Syrian forces were expected to be deployed to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, with some troops reportedly already stationed in both countries.