Syria’s HTS declines Saudi bid for militants against Yemeni forces: Report

Syria’s ruling Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has reportedly declined a formal request from Saudi Arabia to organize and deploy militants to Yemen to confront Yemeni Armed Forces, who have dealt heavy operational blows to Saudi-backed mercenaries.

English-language news website Türkiye Today, citing Syrian sources, reported that the Riyadh regime engaged in an extended period of negotiations spanning several months to identify combatants capable of addressing its operational demands in Yemen.

However, HTS officials refused the overture, asserting that their priority remained the restructuring and reorganization of their own armed forces.

One of the sources has been quoted as saying that the matter has been thoroughly addressed and concluded.

“The Saudi proposal was submitted several months ago. Damascus respectfully declined, indicating that its attention was directed toward its own military restructuring efforts and that it had no intention of becoming involved in the dispute as a third party.”

Over the past few days, Syria has experienced domestic unrest due to protests against the HTS regime’s decision on Sunday to significantly increase gasoline and diesel prices.

Syria’s HTS regime did not reportedly impede individuals from independently traveling overseas to take part in the Yemen conflict, though it would not bear responsibility for their involvement.

Report: Saudi Arabia seeks allies’ assistance as missiles deplete amid war on Yemen

A recent report has disclosed that Saudi authorities have solicited support from allied nations as its air defense capabilities face depletion amid the ongoing military aggression against Yemen.

Saudi Arabia is currently involved in an ongoing military confrontation with the Yemeni Armed Forces, who have accomplished substantial territorial gains in recent weeks, successfully reclaiming areas along the western coast that had previously been under the control of Saudi-backed mercenary forces.

Yemeni outlets announced on Friday that the Armed Forces have seized strategic heights in the southwestern province of Lahij overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, advancing against Saudi-backed mercenary forces in the area.

Yemeni Armed Forces have also recently announced their control over Perim Island, also known as Mayyun Island in Arabic, strengthening their strategic position around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Yemeni naval units have similarly enforced a blockade targeting Saudi vessels attempting passage through the strategically significant Bab al-Mandab Strait, thereby contributing to the reduction of Saudi crude oil exports that are already limited by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi crude production fell 23% to 6.2 million barrels per day in August, while exports plunged from 5.1 million to 3.1 million bpd, according to the Financial Times.

The setbacks have also pushed Aramco to cut crude prices for Asian buyers as shipping costs rise and access to export routes narrows.

Saudi Arabia continues to actively pursue the acquisition of military personnel and instructors from numerous countries, including Pakistan.

In August, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan declared the establishment of a Joint Defense Agreement.

Any participation by Turkey or Pakistan within the framework of the Mecca Pact would be concentrated on “defensive” operations and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure, rather than engaging in ground offensives in Yemen, according to informed sources quoted by the media.

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