ARMING REBELS IN SYRIA

http://www.wnd.com/2013/04/look-what-just-u-s-gave-to-al-qaida-led-rebels/

WND EXCLUSIVE
Look what U.S. just gave to al-Qaida-led rebels
New transfers mark most advanced deliveries yet
Published: 04/08/2013 at 9:10 PM
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Aaron Klein is WND's senior staff reporter and Jerusalem bureau chief. He also hosts "Aaron Klein Investigative Radio" on New York's WABC Radio. Follow Aaron on Twitter and Facebook.
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shoulder-launched-missile

TEL AVIV – The U.S. in recent weeks aided in the transfer of shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, or man-portable air-defense systems, to the Syrian rebels, according to informed Middle Eastern security officials.

The arming of Syrian rebels is considered highly controversial. A major issue is the inclusion of jihadists, including al-Qaida, among the ranks of the Free Syrian Army and other Syrian opposition groups.

The Middle Eastern security officials speaking to WND said the latest U.S.-facilitated weapons transfers signify the most advanced deliveries yet to the Syrian rebels.

The officials said the deliveries included man-portable air-defense systems, or MANPADS, which are shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles typically used to down low-flying aircraft, especially helicopters. The missiles are meant for the rebels to utilize against the Syrian Air Force, said the officials.

The officials said the transfers were facilitated by the U.S. while the weapons themselves were purchased by Turkey and Saudi Arabia.




Confirming WND’s exclusive reporting for over a year, the New York Times last month reported that since early 2012, the CIA has been aiding Arab governments and Turkey in obtaining and shipping weapons to the Syrian rebels.

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