Growing Iranian influence in Syria

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Officials now confirm to Fox News that some foreigners captured inside Syria are active duty members of the military in Iran.

Syrian rebels captured them in Damascus ten days ago they tell us it's unconfirmed video from a social networking site that supposedly shows the men in question.

The Syrians say the man claimed to be religious pilgrims but US officials say they're actually members -- -- -- in a -- revolutionary guard.

And those officials also tell us top members of the running government.

Are trying to get the men released.

All of this as the Reuters news agency reports of veterans of the civil war in Libya are now helping organize rebels in Syria.

And training them on everything from -- communications to heavy weapons.

The Fox Report chief correspondent Jonathan Hunt is in studio now and US officials say that we're seeing a growing -- Ronnie and influence inside Syria.

Yet and as that influence of Iran grows so does the alarm felt by US officials.

Then all of -- surprised to see the Iran -- regime supporting the regime.

All of president -- sad one of Iran's few.

Allies within the region.

But they are increasingly worried about the shape of that influence and aid.

Is beginning to take as defense sector Leon Panetta made clear today listen.

There's now in any indication that they're trying to develop we're trying to train a militia.

Within that Syria.

To be able to a fight on behalf of the regime.

So we are seeing.

Growing presence wiring -- and that is of deep concern.

Of course Iran like many other countries is simply picking a side in this civil war but the defence -- he says they are picking the wrong side.

Both morally and because the SR regime in his woods will ultimately full -- it appears we picked the side as well but we're not willing to do anything but give logistical support no weapons no military yet aids walk the US officials -- non lethal -- -- giving communication devices.

For example but they will not give any weapons so the rebels at this point neither will -- according to the Defense Secretary.

-- to impose a no fly zone that might help those rebels listen to this.

Goes to try to do we can to try to assist them in a way that can make them more effective in this fight.

-- with regards to the no fly zone that is not a front burner issue for us.

Might be worth noting that the defense -- could you did not rule out the no fly zone for ever he said it would be very difficult to impose.

But the US military could do it if possibly you'll find very few experts who think they're about to be else to do that it doesn't sound like.

Jonathan Hunt thank you.

There's no word --

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Growing Iranian influence in Syria

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