A Syrian government solider in Maaloula in the midst of fighting in the village. SANA/AP
The CIA Begins Weapon Delivery to Some Syrian Rebels
State Department and other agencies are offering non-lethal aid.
The CIA began delivering lethal aid to some Syrian rebel groups two weeks ago, according to a Washington Post report, along with non-lethal aid from the State Department and other government agencies. That seems to end months of delays from the CIA on an authority they've had since July. Now that the United States is backing away from a Syrian strike, for the moment, reports emerge indicating that the country is stepping up its response in other areas.
Those CIA shipments apparently don't yet include the sorts of weapons the rebels say they need most: antitank and antiaircraft missiles. One opposition leader told the Post that the light arms and ammunitions shipments they have gotten, however, are "better than nothing." Here's more from the report:
The latest effort to provide aid is aimed at supporting rebel fighters who are under the command of Gen. Salim Idriss, according to officials, some of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because part of the initiative is covert. Idriss is the commander of the Supreme Military Council, a faction of the disjointed armed opposition.