Hagel orders detailed Pentagon planning on Syrian rebel training
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has asked his staff to develop more detailed plans to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels, should Congress approve funding requested by President Barack Obama, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
Obama, under pressure from some lawmakers for greater US backing for Syria's opposition, earlier on Thursday asked the US Congress to approve $500 million for such a mission. Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said the funds would allow the US military to "train and equip appropriately vetted elements of the moderate Syrian armed opposition." (Reuters)
