The Syrian government has denied reports that it is considering a request from Saudi Arabia to send ground forces into Yemen against Houthi insurgents. This comes after reports emerged that Saudi Arabia had asked Syria to join the fight against the Houthis.
What happened
The Syrian government denied the reports, with the media adviser to the Syrian president stating that the claims were "a lie and have no basis in truth." The Syrian Information Ministry added that Syria's policy in the region is focused on stability, peace, and cooperation, not opening new fronts.
However, the Syrian government did condemn recent Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, describing them as "a blatant violation of international law." The government also expressed support for "all legitimate measures" taken by Saudi Arabia to defend its sovereignty.
It is reported that the US was consulted by both countries and is not opposed in principle to Syria joining the fight against the Houthis. US Central Command might even be willing to advise Syria on how to best employ its troops in Yemen.
The potential involvement of Syrian troops in Yemen could "inject a religious dimension" into the conflict, given the sectarian differences between the Sunni Muslim jihadis in the Syrian government forces and the Shia Muslim Houthi insurgents.
