Syria weighs military aid for Saudi Arabia amid Yemen war, sources say

AI Summary

Syria is considering providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia as the kingdom fights Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, according to U.S. and Syrian officials. Options reportedly include defensive support or deploying Syrian forces alongside Saudi-backed Yemeni troops after Riyadh requested a deployment.

By Timour Azhari RIYADH, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Syria is carefully considering providing military assistance to key ally Saudi Arabia amid an escalating war against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a US official and a Syrian military official briefed on the matter said. Options being considered include defensive aid to protect the kingdom from attacks, or deployment of forces in an offensive capacity to help Saudi-backed Yemeni troops fight the Houthis, the sources said. The US official said Saudi Arabia had requested that Syria deploy forces to fight the Houthis.