Syria may join a Saudi-backed military offensive against Houthi rebels in Yemen by deploying thousands of troops, Axios reported, citing US officials.

Yemen's internationally recognized government forces have launched a major counteroffensive to retake territory occupied by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, also known as Ansar Allah, including areas around the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Saudi-led coalition has supported the operation with extensive airstrikes against Houthi positions.

According to a report by Axios, Riyadh and Damascus are discussing the deployment of up to 20,000 Syrian troops. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is said to be considering the proposal but has not yet made a decision.

The issue was raised during al-Sharaa's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Tuesday, the sources said. Saudi Arabia is seeking to bolster Yemeni government forces, which U.S. officials describe as less well-trained than the Houthis.

Washington does not oppose the proposal in principle and sees it as a way to bolster the offensive without deeper American involvement, according to Axios. US Central Command has also been consulted on how Syrian troops could be deployed.

The Syrian units being considered reportedly include thousands of foreign Islamist fighters who fought against former President Bashar Assad under the umbrella of HTS before his overthrow in December 2024. Their involvement could deepen sectarian divisions, as the fighters include Sunni Islamists, while the Houthis follow Shiite Zaydi Islam.

Reuters separately reported that Damascus was considering military assistance, including defensive support for Saudi Arabia or participation in operations inside Yemen. However, Syrian presidential adviser Ahmad Zaidan denied that Riyadh had requested troops, describing the reports as baseless.