Rumors have circulated that Saudi Arabia recruited Syrian militants to fight Houthis in Yemen, as the rebels expand their territory. Lebanese media reports suggest hundreds of Syrian fighters, including those who fought Bashar al-Assad, were transferred to southern Saudi Arabia. It is unclear if these fighters have state backing or are acting as mercenaries. Saudi Arabia previously supported efforts to overthrow Assad, potentially seeking to leverage those relationships now. Syrian mercenaries have been deployed in other conflict zones, such as Libya, suggesting a precedent for such a move. However, their deployment in Yemen may not be a reality, and could merely be an idea pitched by Saudi officials seeking more Western support. Turkish media reports state that Damascus has rejected Saudi Arabia's alleged request to send Syrian militants to Yemen. Syrian sources indicated that while the government declined the official request, it would not prevent individuals from assisting the Saudi coalition. Reports of Turkey's involvement in Yemen on Saudi Arabia's behalf, based on the Mecca Defense Pact, are also unfounded rumors. Turkish sources deny any role in transporting or organizing Syrians for deployment to Yemen. Damascus's rejection is plausible given Syria's internal issues, including unrest and fuel price protests, limiting its capacity for external military involvement.