In a major development, US House of Representatives has voted to train and arm Syrian rebels so that they can take on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
US President Barack Obama yesterday described this as an important step forward to confront the threat posed ISIL and achieve its objective to degrade and ultimately destroy by this terrorist outfit.
The House voted the bill by 273-156.
"As we continue to take targeted military action against ISIL terrorist targets, today’s vote is another step closer to having the authorisation to train and equip vetted elements of the moderate Syrian opposition so they can defend themselves against, and ultimately push back on, ISIL forces in Syria, while creating the conditions for the political solution necessary to solve Syria's crisis once and for all," Obama said.
This training program will be conducted outside of Syria, in partnership with regional countries, he said, adding that there will be no US military personnel in Syria as part of this programme.
Noting that the countries in the region and around the world are coming together to confront ISIL, Obama said the US can make a decisive difference.
"Today's House vote is a step towards making that difference, and I urge the Senate to pass this bill without delay," Obama said.
The Speaker of the US House of Representatives John Boehner described this as an important and initial step forward in taking on ISIL.
"By authorising the Department of Defence to help train and equip the Syrian opposition, this measure represents an important, initial step forward in taking on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant," he said.
ISIL represents a direct threat to the safety and security of the United States, Boehner said.
The US House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard P "Buck" McKeon, said the arming of the Syrian rebels would allow them to fight ISIL terrorists.
"The President requested this authority and -- after we shaped it to include robust oversight mechanisms -- the House gave it to him.
I hope the Senate quickly follows suit," he said.
Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, applauded House passage of the bill.
"We face a great and growing threat from ISIL. Never has a terrorist organisation controlled so much territory, cash, or weapons," he said.
"This measure gives the Syrian opposition what they desperately need -- training and equipment -- as they continue to risk their lives to combat ISIL terrorists as well as the Assad regime.
With greater US training and supplies, they'll be bolstered," Royce said.
Photographs: Goran Tomasevic/Reuters
