US expected to increase aid to Syrian rebels

[April 10, 2013]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration's next step in aid to Syrian rebels is expected to be a broader package of non-lethal assistance, including body armor and night-vision goggles.

Administration officials say an announcement of the new aid is not imminent. But Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday that the administration had been holding intense talks on how to boost assistance to the rebels fighting forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Britain and France have already been shipping armor, night-vision goggles and other military-style equipment to the rebels.

Kerry is holding meetings in London Wednesday with Syrian opposition leaders. The U.N. estimates that more than 70,000 people have been killed in Syria's two-year civil war between rebels and government forces.

[Associated Press; By JULIE PACE]

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.