Syria weighs joining Saudi Arabia defence pact
Syria signed a defence deal with Saudi Arabia and is sending troops to aid against Houthi rebels. Damascus is also evaluating entry into a regional mutual defence pact.
IllustrationThe story so far
Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani announced discussions to evaluate Damascus's entry into the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a mutual defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. Analysts noted the talks were in early stages.
On November 5, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a defence cooperation agreement and secured over $403 million in loans for Syria's energy, housing, and health sectors. Both leaders called for de-escalation in regional conflicts.
By November 8, reports indicated Syria was preparing to send about 600 special forces fighters to Saudi Arabia to help fight Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. While Syria denied plans to send troops to Yemen, officials confirmed military advisers were already in Saudi Arabia.
Latest updates
5 updates · newest first- 8 NovNew development
Syria prepares to send fighters to aid Saudi Arabia
Syria is preparing to send fighters to Saudi Arabia to help it fight Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen, three officials told the Associated Press. A regional official and two Syrian officials said Syrian military advisers are already in Saudi Arabia, while an initial force of about 600 special forces fighters is expected in the coming week. Syria has so far stayed on the sidelines.
ABC News ↗
- 7 NovOfficial statement
Syria denies plans to send troops to Yemen
Syria said it has no plans to send military forces to Yemen, dismissing reports of a possible deployment as baseless. A diplomatic source told SANA that cooperation with Saudi Arabia focuses on training Syrian forces and exchanging expertise. Saudi officials are set to begin coordination visits next month, with cooperation potentially developing into a mutual defence agreement or Syria joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
Middle East Eye ↗
- 6 NovNew development
Syria sends military advisers to Saudi Arabia, sources say
Syria has sent a small number of military personnel to Saudi Arabia to advise and train forces, according to two Syrian military sources and a senior US official. A senior Syrian diplomat called suggestions of military deployments premature, saying a defence cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh includes advisory support, training and exchange of expertise.
- 5 NovNew development
Syria and Saudi Arabia sign defence deal and $403m in loans
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a defence cooperation agreement and secured over $403 million in loans for Syria's energy, housing, and health sectors. The deal comes as Syria considers joining a mutual defence pact among Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan. Both leaders called for de-escalation in regional conflicts affecting maritime navigation and energy supplies.
Al Jazeera ↗
- 2 NovNew development
Syria weighs joining Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact
Syria's foreign minister said discussions are under way to evaluate Damascus's entry into the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a mutual defence pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. The agreement treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, a framework similar to NATO. Al-Shaibani said Syria is an integral part of regional security, while an analyst said the talks remain in early stages.