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

29 January 2013

Israel threatens to strike if Syria transfers chemical weapons

Israeli officials have maintained that Israel could launch a pre-emptive strike if Syria transfers chemical weapons to Hezbollah or al-Qaeda groups. There is growing concern that the government in Syria might lose control over its chemical weapons due to the on-going struggle in the country. In a movement characterized by military officials as ‘routine’, the Israeli army has moved its Iron Dome rocket defense system to Haifa, close to the border with Lebanon.

Source: The New York Times | Israel Girds for Attacks as Syria Falls Apart
Source: The Huffington Post | Israel Syria Strike: Chemical Weapons Transfer Could Bring Israeli Military Attack, Official Warns