Syria to send 600 special forces to Saudi Arabia

Syrian special forces are preparing to cross into Saudi Arabia to support the kingdom's border security. An initial group of about 600 fighters is expected to arrive in the coming week. Their primary mission is to help contain the escalating conflict with Houthi rebels from Yemen.

The move marks a shift for Syria, which has largely stayed on the sidelines of the regional conflict. The fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces intensified this summer. The Houthis have also launched direct attacks on Saudi soil. This new front developed after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February.

Syrian military advisers are already in Saudi Arabia. A regional official and two Syrian officials said these advisers have been helping to train Yemeni forces inside the kingdom. The Syrian delegation included Khaled Khattab, commander of the 82nd Division. He led a two-week visit to Saudi Arabia recently. Another 36 Syrian military officials toured a command and operations room in Jeddah. There, they received briefings on front lines and areas of operation from Saudi and Yemeni staff.

Syria offers Saudi Arabia a pool of battle-hardened troops. The Saudis funded Syrian rebels during the civil war. They have also promised financial aid for Syria's postwar reconstruction. This relationship makes the Syrian government more willing to commit ground forces than other regional allies.

Syria and Saudi Arabia signed a military cooperation agreement last week. During President Ahmad al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh, the Saudi government agreed to lend Syria more than $400 million. The funds are designated for the reconstruction of homes and basic infrastructure.

Syrian officials are also discussing joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement. This pact was signed in August by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. It treats an attack on any one member as an attack on all three. Two Syrian officials said a decision to join has already been made, though it has not been publicly announced. A regional official said talks are still ongoing.

The potential Syrian entry into the conflict raises questions about its relationship with Israel. Israeli forces have occupied a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria since December 2024. President al-Sharaa has stated that his government does not seek conflict with Israel and has called for a withdrawal. He has previously declined proposals from U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene against Hezbollah in Lebanon, focusing instead on rebuilding Syria.