Syria has deployed troops to Yemen as part of a planned offensive against the Houthi rebels, Reuters reported on Thursday. Damascus informed Washington it would contribute a “large force” to the operation, which aims to prevent Houthi attacks on Israel.

The move marks a striking shift for Syria, whose new leadership has moved closer to the United States in recent months. US President Donald Trump said the deployment came at Washington’s request.

Houthi media reported explosions in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Wednesday night. The United States has warned its citizens to leave Yemen immediately, signalling that a major operation may be near.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have repeatedly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles toward Israel since the Gaza war began. A direct Syrian role in the fight would widen a conflict that already spans the region. Regional officials say the operation could begin within days, though no timeline has been confirmed.

Syria’s new government, which took power after Bashar al-Assad’s fall, has been rebuilding ties with Washington. Joining the Yemen operation would be its most significant military commitment yet, and a test of its new alliances.