US to support Syrian opposition from the air

The details of Barack Obama's new program to support the Syrian opposition have become known. According to Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook, the US Department of Defense will improve the supply of weapons and military equipment to groups of "proven" militant leaders, as well as support their operations against the "Islamic State" from the air.

A senior U.S. Department of Defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that military training will now target Syrian rebel leaders, as opposed to training entire infantry units as was the case in the past.

An expanded military assistance program for the Syrian opposition will begin in the coming days, the official said.

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Friday that the change in US strategy in Syria would increase the coalition's combat strength against ISIS forces.

“I remain convinced that a lasting defeat for ISIS in Syria will depend in part on the success of local, motivated, and capable ground forces,” Carter said.