DHAKA: The US military has begun training a small group of Syrian rebels in an effort to build a force capable of defeating Islamic State (IS) militants.

US defense secretary Ashton Carter said about 90 people were being trained in a secure location, and they would be paid by the United States.

He said more fighters would begin training soon at sites in Jordan, Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, reports the BBC.

Supporting the troops militarily on the battlefield has not been ruled out.

Nearly 4,000 fighters volunteered for the program but, after an extensive screening process, only 400 were given places.

BDST: 0700 HRS, MAY 08, 2015
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