U.S. Offers Aid to Syrian Rebels

The United States is ready to step up its pledge to help the Syrian opposition in the country’s ongoing civil war. On Wednesday officials said that the U.S. will help train rebels and offer nonlethal military equipment, like vehicles and communication gear. The training mission is already under way, and Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to offer the gear and most likely propose direct financial aid at a meeting with opposition leaders in Rome. Before this development, the U.S. hadn't offered aid directly to Syrian rebels, but it had been filtered through local councils and unarmed groups.