Saudi Arabia has transferred hundreds of Syrian fighters to Yemen as part of an effort to strengthen forces battling the Iranian-backed Houthis, according to a report Tuesday by the Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.

Saudi officials reportedly believe the Houthi regime could eventually collapse like the former Assad regime in Syria if sufficient military pressure is applied.

Sources in Sanaa claimed that Riyadh has spent more than a year strengthening Salafi factions in Yemen. Syrian personnel reportedly helped train those forces inside Saudi Arabia in recent months before they were deployed to Yemen.

Turkey was also said to have assisted with transferring Syrian fighters to front lines in Marib, Al-Jawf and Aden. The claims have not been independently confirmed.

The report comes amid escalating fighting in Yemen, where the Houthis have reportedly halted the advance of Saudi-backed forces and seized additional territory near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Sources in Sanaa warned that the Houthi offensive could expand toward Marib and other areas controlled by Saudi-backed forces.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently requested direct U.S. military assistance against the Houthis, but President Trump declined to authorize American strikes. Washington has instead offered expanded intelligence-sharing and targeting support.

Saudi Arabia also temporarily shut down its East-West oil pipeline after it was damaged in an aerial attack, further increasing pressure on the kingdom’s energy infrastructure.

The Houthis’ growing control around the Bab el-Mandeb threatens one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, raising fears of major disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)