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Obama directs CIA to support Syrian rebels
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Jennifer Griffin reports from the Pentagon
- Duration 2:49
- Date Aug 2, 2012
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Transcript
This transcript is automatically generated
Across that country President Obama signs a secret order.
Directing the CIA and other agencies to provide Covert support to the opposition forces there.
It stops short of giving them a lethal weapons still.
The rebels are getting their hands on -- using a tank captured from government troops today to bombard a military base in a lot well.
The Asad regime is not backing down with word -- unleashed new raids against the opposition in Damascus.
Leaving dozens dead.
National security correspondent Jennifer Griffin is live -- pentagon for us now Jennifer.
Hi John well a senior US official tells fox that the president signed what is known in the intelligence community.
As a finding directing the CIA and other agencies to provide support.
To the Syrian opposition the CIA declined to comment however the finding which was signed months ago we're told.
Stop -- and stopped short of allowing United States government to provide weapons to the Syrian opposition fighters.
US Treasury Department however reportedly issued a license last month.
That would clear the way for private nongovernmental.
Nonprofit groups to provide money to the armed insurgents which could be used for weapons.
Loosening of this loosening of restrictions that occurred.
With little fanfare we're told last month now the CIA has been helping the Syrian opposition with non lethal support for some time.
Helping them with command and control issues but stopping short of providing weapons at a base in Turkey near a Donna.
The US has a large air base nearby at -- -- Meanwhile the fighting is intensifying and -- anything.
As president Bashar is potential last stand in -- -- so.
This amateur video shows the opposition fighters targeting a government fighter jet.
The government of Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been providing weapons and support to the fighters.
Including recent report suggesting the opposition now has shoulder launched surface to air missiles they couldn't help even the fight with the Asad regime.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta declined to comment recently about any change in the US position toward helping the Syrian opposition bring down president aside.
Key right now is to.
Continue.
To bring that pressure on Syria and to provide assistance to the opposition.
And to provide whatever kind of humanitarian name it we -- To assist the -- refugees.
It's notable that a day after a suicide bomber took out most of president -- national security team.
The first news reports began appearing about the quiet assistance the US and others are providing what appears to be a more organized opposition from bases in Turkey.
John all right developments changing their by the -- it seems Jennifer Griffin at the Pentagon thank you.
