DHAKA: US President Barack Obama has called on Congress to approve $500 million to train and equip vetted Syrian rebels, in what would be a significant escalation of US involvement in the conflict.

Following several signals in recent weeks by the Obama administration - and months of pressure from legislators like Senator John McCain - the White House said it intends to "ramp up US support to the moderate Syrian opposition."

It proposed the funding for "vetted elements of the Syrian armed opposition to help defend the Syrian people, stabilise areas under opposition control, facilitate the provision of essential services, counter terrorist threats, and promote conditions for a negotiated settlement."

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has asked his staff to develop more detailed plans to train and equip the rebels.

The funds would allow the US military to "train and equip appropriately vetted elements of the moderate Syrian armed opposition." Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said.

In a separate statement, National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said the funding "would build on the administration's long-standing efforts to empower the moderate Syrian opposition" and allow the Pentagon to increase its support to vetted armed rebels.

Source: Al-jazeera

BDST: 0901 HRS, JUN 27, 2014