14 June 2013
US to provide military aid to Syrian opposition
The US is going to provide direct military aid to the Syrian opposition, the White House announced on Thursday 13 June after having concluded that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons. The announcement comes after repeated statements by the Obama administration that the use of chemical weapons would cross a red line and violate international norms.
The details of the aid to be provided were not revealed, but officials were reported saying small arms, ammunition and anti-tank weapons could be included. According to the deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes, the US is going to proceed on its own timeline but will take up the issue with allies in next week’s G8 summit. The US has previously said it preferred an endorsement by the UN on further action, but has suggested it’s decision would not depend on it.
Source: BBC | US says it will give military aid to Syria rebels
Source: The Guardian | US says it will arm Syrian rebels following chemical weapons tests
Source: Al Jazeera | US offers 'military support' to Syrian rebels
Source: El País | EE UU anuncia ayuda militar para los rebeldes sirios