The discussions contradict official denials from Damascus, where presidential adviser Ahmed Muwaffaq Zeidan called reports of a deployment 'lies with no truth.' However, U.S. officials told Reuters and Axios that Sharaa is seriously considering a request for 10,000 to 20,000 troops to support a counteroffensive against Iran-backed Houthis. While some sources claim a few thousand Syrians are already fighting in Yemen, the Syrian Information Ministry maintains that rebuilding domestic institutions remains the government's primary priority.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Syria Eyes Alliance Entry and Arms for 20,000 Troops in Yemen
War11 days ago
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to deploy fighters to Yemen in the coming months, according to a Syrian political source cited by Al-Modon. During a meeting in Riyadh, Sharaa reportedly proposed that Syria join the 'Mecca Alliance' of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to provide political and legal cover for its military role in the region. Sharaa also requested that the kingdom facilitate direct arms negotiations with the Pakistani military to help equip Syria's own army.
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