The Syrian opposition urged the U.S. and allies to use UAS against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, provide weapons to opposition fighters, and create a protected “no-fly zone” airspace within Syria at a meeting of allies in Istanbul on Saturday.
The demands reflected opposition frustration with the failure of the U.S. and its allies to provide the intelligence and equipment they say is necessary to defend themselves from the regime’s continued attacks.
“The technical ability to take specific action to prevent the human tragedy and suffering of innocent civilians, mostly women and children, is available in the form of specific intelligence and equipment,” the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces said in a statement. “Syrians understand that such ability is within the reach of a number of members of the Friends of Syria Group, yet nothing serious has been done to put an end to such terror and criminality.”
Following conversations with Syrian opposition leader Moaz Al-Khatib yesterday, Secretary of State John Kerry announced that the U.S. will double its non-lethal assistance to the Assad opposition.
The new $123 million in aid “underscores the United States’ firm support for a political solution to the crisis in Syria and for the opposition’s advancement of an inclusive, tolerant vision” for a post-Assad Syria, according to the announcement. Kerry also announced about $25 million in additional food assistance for Syrians.
Source: Bloomberg