Officials: US to give Libyan rebels non-lethal aid

US officials say the Obama administration has decided to give the Libyan opposition $25 million in non-lethal assistance after weeks of assessing their capabilities and intentions.

The officials said Wednesday that Congress was briefed on the plan on Tuesday. They said the money will go for vehicles and medical and communications equipment to help protect civilians in rebel-held areas threatened by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the aid, which was first reported by The Washington Times. (AP)