Syrian Leader Makes Surprise Visit to Saudi Arabia Amid Yemen Deployment Rumors
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (Ahmed al-Shar’) embarked on his fifth trip since assuming power, making a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While precise details of the discussions have not been disclosed, Syrian official sources only confirmed Jolani’s unexpected arrival in the Saudi capital, accompanied by Asaad Al-Shibani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. They were reportedly welcomed by Prince Faisal bin Bandar, the Governor of the Mecca Region.
Saudi media reported that Prince Faisal bin Bandar, along with Khalid bin Salman, the Minister of Defense, and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of the Riyadh Region, escorted Jolani upon his departure from King Khalid Airport.
The official Saudi Press Agency stated that the meeting, attended by Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan, and other officials, focused on the prospects of bilateral relations, areas of cooperation, and emerging opportunities for the development of mutual ties across various sectors.
A notable aspect of this sudden trip was al-Shar’ utilizing an aircraft belonging to Saudi Arabian Airlines (S.A.W) for his travel.
Al-Akhbar suggested that this visit has raised questions regarding Riyadh’s intentions for Jolani to play a role in the Yemen conflict. This comes amidst numerous reports, including one from the “Turkey Today” website citing Syrian sources, indicating that Damascus rejected Saudi Arabia’s prior request to organize Syrian forces for deployment to Yemeni fronts. The stated reason for this refusal was Syria’s focus on rebuilding its military and an unwillingness to engage in further conflict.
While neither the Syrian nor Saudi governments have confirmed this narrative, the Syrian Ministry of Defense has denied the deployment of any fighters to Yemen.
However, intelligence sources in Sanaa, speaking to Al-Akhbar, revealed that the Houthi movement has obtained information confirming Riyadh’s involvement, with Ankara’s assistance, in transferring hundreds of extremist elements from Syria to Yemen.
This visit occurs as the self-proclaimed Syrian administration faces significant economic pressures and finds itself navigating multiple layers of crisis. Saudi Arabia has played a substantial role in supporting the Jolani regime, seeking to transition from emergency aid towards facilitating long-term investments. In this context, both parties signed 47 contracts and Memoranda of Understanding valued at approximately 24 billion Saudi riyals (around $6.4 billion) spanning the energy, telecommunications, industrial, infrastructure, and real estate sectors.
