Syrian opposition says U.S. has begun providing lethal weapons

Friday, 13 September 2013

The statements may be considered the first public announcement that American military equipment, like weapons and ammunition, are beginning to reach the battlefield. (File photo: AFP)

Al Arabiya

 

Syria’s main opposition group said the United States has begun supplying lethal weapons to the rebel Free Syrian Army, Al Arabiya reported on Friday.

Khaled al-Saleh, spokesperson of the opposition Syrian National Coalition (SNC), said Washington began to provide military aid to the opposition after confirming the weapons won't fall in the wrong hands.

The CIA, which is supervising the secret task of arming Syrian rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad, did not comment on the spokesman’s remarks.

The statements made by Saleh during a press conference held in Washington may be considered the first public announcement that American military equipment, like weapons and ammunition, are beginning to reach the battlefield.

An American governmental source said it was “improbable” that any weapons provided by the U.S. are currently in the hands of the Syrian opposition fighters.

The source, however, did not deny the possibility that work may be underway to deliver such military aid.

American officials have leaked to the media that the CIA shipped light weapons and ammunition through Turkey and Jordan.